Rathfern Primary School
97%
Capacity
497
Pupils
4.7x
Demand
About Rathfern Primary School
Rathfern Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Lewisham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 497 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 515 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Naheeda Maharasingam, it falls under Lewisham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 53% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 10074th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 48th out of 59 in Lewisham.
Rathfern Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 279 applications for 60 places, making it 4.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 66 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Rathfern Primary School include Sensory Room, Outdoor Playground, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Athletics, Rounders and 2 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Film Club, Gardening, Coding and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.7%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Lewisham, Rathfern Primary School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Rathfern Road, London, Lewisham, SE6 4NL |
| Headteacher | Naheeda Maharasingam |
| Local Authority | Lewisham |
| Number of Pupils | 497 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.7% |
| School Capacity | 497 / 515 (97% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Sept 2021Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Latest inspection (29 Sept 2021): School remains Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Jan 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (53%)
10074th of 13,686
Nationally
1414th of 1,592
In London
48th of 59
In Lewisham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
53%
Expected Standard
5%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
53%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
279
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
66 families put this school as their 1st choice (24% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rathfern Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Rathfern Road, London
Lewisham, SE6 4NL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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