Poplar Primary School

About Poplar Primary School

If you're a parent weighing up Poplar Primary School, the most telling signal is that 97% of the 121 parents who responded to Ofsted's Parent View survey would recommend it. That's a near-unanimous vote of confidence, and it's backed up by the detail: 99% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy at the school, and 98% felt their child is safe. The school is clearly popular in practical terms too — for the 2025/26 intake, it received 171 applications for 82 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.09. Of those, 73 families put it as their first preference, and all 73 were offered a place. So while it's oversubscribed, first-preference applicants have a strong chance. The headteacher is Elaine Spick, and the school is a mixed, state primary for ages 3 to 11 in Merton, with no religious character.

Academically, Poplar Primary performs solidly against the local picture. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — just above the Merton local authority average of 68%. That places the school 19th out of 42 primaries in the borough, sitting in the top half. Looking at individual subjects, 91% hit the expected standard in reading and 89% in maths, with average scores of 109 and 108 respectively. The proportion reaching the higher standard is more modest: 11% across all three subjects, though 49% achieved higher in reading alone. Ofsted's most recent inspection, an ungraded visit in November 2024, confirmed that standards are being maintained, and the school has held a Good rating across its last two graded inspections, with leadership, early years provision and behaviour all rated Good.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for a state primary, including a library, ICT suite, art studios, music rooms, a sensory room and a forest school. Sports provision covers gymnastics, swimming, cross country, football and netball, and there are a handful of clubs like Eco Club, Chess and Science Club. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for a broad spectrum of SEND, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. 13% of responding parents said their child has SEND, and 82% of those agreed or strongly agreed that the school provides the support needed. With 21% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a mixed catchment. It's a strong, well-regarded local option for families who want a Good-rated primary with happy, safe children and a clear academic baseline.

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