Purley Oaks Primary School

About Purley Oaks Primary School

Purley Oaks Primary School is a large state primary in Croydon, running very close to its full capacity of 660 pupils with 651 on roll. The school serves a community with a notably high level of disadvantage: 32% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average for primary schools. Demand for places is extremely strong. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 210 applications for just 72 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.92 applicants per place. Of those, 58 were first-preference applications, and 58 first-preference offers were made, meaning every family who put Purley Oaks first secured a spot. The school is non-denominational, with no religious character, and offers nursery provision for children from age three. Richard Griffin is the headteacher.

Academically, Purley Oaks produces mixed results at Key Stage 2. In the 2023/24 assessments, 59% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the Croydon local authority average of 66%. The school ranks 54th out of 77 primaries in Croydon on this measure, placing it in the bottom half of the borough. Looking at individual subjects, reading scores are the strongest: the average scaled score was 105, with 35% of pupils reaching the higher standard. Maths and writing both saw 67% of pupils meeting the expected standard, with maths averaging a scaled score of 103. Only 8% achieved the higher standard across all three subjects. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2019, the school was rated Good overall, with Good marks for leadership, behaviour, personal development, early years and the quality of education. A subsequent ungraded inspection in February 2025 confirmed that standards have been maintained.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a forest school, sensory room and art studios, and runs clubs such as art, drama, book club, gardening, choir and eco club. Sports on offer include cross country, gymnastics, netball and football. For families with children who have special educational needs, the school lists provisions for a wide range of needs including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health support. Parent View responses from 91 families were largely positive: 89% would recommend the school, and strong majorities agreed that children are happy, safe and doing well. However, the SEND support question was more divided, with 36% strongly agreeing but 18% disagreeing and 18% strongly disagreeing. This is a popular, oversubscribed school that suits families who value a large, inclusive community setting with strong pastoral care, though academic outcomes sit below the local average.

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