Smitham Primary School

About Smitham Primary School

Smitham Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 291 applications for just 88 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.31. Of those, 103 families put it down as their first preference, and 86 first-preference offers were made. That level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the Croydon area. While the school doesn't publish a parent recommendation percentage, the sheer volume of applications — more than three for every place — is a practical signal that many families are keen to secure a spot. The school is led by headteacher Charlotte Groom and caters for children aged 3 to 11, with a nursery provision on site. It is a mixed, non-religious state primary with a capacity of 660 pupils, currently home to 637 children, so it is running very close to full.

Academically, Smitham performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 73% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Croydon local authority average of 66%. The school ranks 32nd out of 77 primary schools in the borough, placing it in the top half locally. Reading scores are a particular strength: the average scaled score was 108, with 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard and 37% achieving the higher standard. Maths followed closely with an average score of 106 and 80% at expected. Writing saw 80% at expected and 10% at the higher level. In its most recent graded inspection in 2017, Ofsted rated the school Good overall, and an ungraded inspection in 2023 confirmed it remains Good. Leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness were all rated Good.

The school offers a solid range of facilities and support. On site there is a library, forest school area, sensory room, ICT suite, playing fields and a dining hall. Sports include swimming, gymnastics, cricket, netball and dance, while clubs cover book club, science club and art club. For families with children who have additional needs, Smitham has a broad SEND offer, including provision for dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, visual impairment, multi-sensory impairment, physical disability and autistic spectrum disorder. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary school is Chipstead Valley Primary School, 1.2 km away, which may be a useful alternative for families who don't secure a place here. Given its oversubscription, Smitham is best suited to families who live close enough to make a realistic first-preference application, particularly those who value strong reading outcomes and a wide SEND support structure.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Smitham Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents