The Priory CofE School

About The Priory CofE School

The Priory CofE School in Merton holds a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has maintained across its two most recent inspections, including the most recent graded inspection in 2023. The school’s strongest academic metric is its Key Stage 2 reading performance: 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, and 43% reached the higher standard. That higher-attaining figure is notably strong for a primary school of this size. In the combined measure of reading, writing and maths, 73% of pupils achieved the expected standard, placing the school 14th out of 42 primary schools in Merton and in the top 25% nationally. This puts it ahead of the local authority average of 68% for the same combined measure, though it sits behind the top-performing schools in the borough such as Benedict Academy and Park Academy.

Looking more closely at the 2023/24 exam data, the school’s average reading score was 109 and its average maths score was 105, both above the national benchmark of 100. In maths, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard and 23% achieved the higher standard, while in writing 80% met the expected standard and 7% reached the higher level. The school has no progress scores published for reading, writing or maths, so it is not possible to compare how much value it adds relative to pupils’ starting points. Ofsted’s inspection report from January 2023 rated all five inspected categories — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — as Good. The previous inspection in 2011 also rated overall effectiveness as Good, with early years provision at that time graded as Requires Improvement.

The Priory is a Church of England primary school for children aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site. It is significantly undersubscribed relative to its capacity of 538, with only 179 pupils on roll, yet it was oversubscribed for 2025/26 reception places, receiving 120 applications for 28 places and making just 9 offers to first-preference families. The school offers a wide range of facilities including a forest school, sensory room, chapel, art studios and playing fields, plus clubs such as coding, eco club and film club. Its SEND provisions cover moderate learning difficulty, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, and physical disability. For families seeking a Good-rated primary with strong reading outcomes and a church ethos, The Priory is a solid option, though those wanting an Outstanding rating may consider Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, which is just 0.3 km away.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About The Priory CofE School

Helpful Guides for Parents