Top 20 Best Primary Schools in the United Kingdom (UK) 2026

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Top Best Primary Schools in the United Kingdom

What are the most prestigious primary schools in the UK in 2026? What are the admission criteria and contact information for each primary school?

There are so many top primary schools in the United Kingdom but choosing from the numerous available options could be difficult sometimes considering so many factors such as environment, tuition fee, quality of teachers, etc.

For that reason, we have carefully crafted this post, giving you several details about each school in order to help you make an informed choice.

Below is a list of top 20 primary schools in the UK, giving an overview, establishment year, contact address, phone number and admission requirement

Top 20 Best Primary Schools in the United Kingdom (UK) 2026

Below is a list of the most prestigious schools located in the UK:

1. Hampden Gurney C of E Primary School

Hampden Gurney is located in Marylebone, London and it consistently ranks among the top state primary schools in England, achieving the highest average scores across reading, writing, and mathematics in 2023.

Hampden Gurney C of E Primary School admits a maximum of 30 pupils in their reception year and age bracket is between 4 and 5 years.

Over the years, top academic performances have been recorded by pupils and it is best for children seeking to be groomed for a greater performance academically.

  • Year of Establishment: 1863
  • Address: 13 Nutford Place, London W1H 5HA
  • Contact Information: Phone:+44 20 7723 7482; Email: admin@hampdengurney.co.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Priority is typically given to children who live close to the school, have siblings already enrolled, or are from particular religious backgrounds, in line with general UK school admission criteria. Each child must be between 4 and 5 years within the application/admission periods.

2. Mayflower Primary School

Maryflower is situated in Poplar, East London. Mayflower Primary has been recognized for its outstanding academic achievements, including being named “State Primary School of the Year” in 2020.

  • Year of Establishment: 1843
  • Address: Upper North Street, Poplar, London E14 6DU
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 7987 2782; Email: admin@mayflower.towerhamlets.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are managed by the local authority, with priority given to children in care, those with siblings at the school, and those living in proximity.

3. Barclay Primary School

Barclay Primary School is located in Leyton, London. It is one of the largest primary schools in England, known for its commitment to diversity and excellence in education. Talking building resilience and focus in your child, Barclay is one of the top options to consider. Barclays is guided by five principles which are Aspiration, Responsibility, Respect, Honest and Kindness

The school has been featured in awards like Eco School – Bronze Award and STARS – Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe

  • Year of Establishment: 1896
  • Address: 155 Canterbury Rd, Greater, London E10 6EJ, United Kingdom
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 8539 6777  – Calls are recorded for safeguarding and training purposes; Email: school@barclayprimary.net
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions follow the local authority’s criteria, prioritizing children based on factors like proximity and sibling attendance.

4. St Stephen’s School

This school is based in Shepherd’s Bush, London. It is a Church of England primary school renowned for its outstanding Ofsted ratings and strong community ties. Due to its affinity with the church, high moral standards are among the goals set for children. It moves with the watch word – Through God We Achieve

  • Year of Establishment: Circa 1849–50
  • Address: Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8LH
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 8743 4483; Email: admin@ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Offers both “Foundation Places” for practicing members of a Christian church and “Open Places” determined by distance.

5. Isleworth Town Primary School

Isleworth Town Primary School is a mixed community primary school in Isleworth, London, has consistently received good ratings, emphasizing a strong reading culture. Looking for an environment to inculcate more of reading power in your ward, you might want to consider the Isleworth Town Primary School.

6. Eden Primary School

Eden Primary School is located in Muswell Hill, London. It is a cross-communal Jewish day school that welcomes children irrespective of their religious background, promoting inclusivity. Eden -r50ary School encourages unity in diversity and exposure to diverse religions practices.

  • Year of Establishment: 2011
  • Address: 79 Creighton Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N10 1NR
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 8883 9527; Email: info@edenprimary.org.uk
  • Admission Requirements: The application form enables the school to apply admissions policy of admitting 50% of pupils on an open (distance) basis and 50% on the basis of Jewish practice.

7. Barnes Primary School

This is one of the best schools in the UK located in South-West London. Barnes Primary School is a community primary school in Barnes, London, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England and is the oldest school in Barnes. It is recognized for its commitment to fostering self-motivated and self-reliant pupils, offering a curriculum designed for the 21st century.

  • Year of Establishment: 1903
  • Address: Cross Street, Barnes, London SW13 0QQ
  • Contact Information: Phone:020 8876 7358 Email: info@barnes.richmond.sch.uk

8. Ash Green Primary School

Ash Green Primary School is located in Calderdale focused in building core values in children. The school is renowned for its unwavering commitment to student achievement and community support.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: 72 The Lea, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8BX, United Kingdom
  • Contact Information: Phone: 01782 658977; Email: office@ashgreenprimary.co.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are managed by the local authority, with priority given to children in care, those with siblings at the school, and those living in proximity.

9. Banks Road Primary School

Located in Liverpool, Banks Road Primary School is celebrated providing a happy, secure and supportive learning environment where all children can attain their highest level potential.

  • Year of Establishment: 2000
  • Address: Banks Road, Garston, Liverpool, L19 8JZ
  • Contact Information: Phone: 0151 427 4360; Email: banksroad-ao@banksroad.liverpool.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions follow the local authority’s criteria, prioritizing children based on factors like proximity and sibling attendance.

10. Bonner Primary School

Bonner Primary School is based in Tower Hamlets, London with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. All staff and volunteers are mandated to raise any concerns they have about poor or unsafe practice and potential failures in the school which makes dedication and commitment “must have” qualities among workers in the school.

  • Year of Establishment: 1876
  • Address: Stainsbury Street, Bethnal Green, London, E2 0NF
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 8980 1004; Email: admin@bonner.towerhamlets.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are managed by the local authority, with priority given to local residents and siblings of current students.

11. Cotmanhay Infant School

Cotmanhay Infant School is located in Derbyshire. The school is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for young learners, focusing on early childhood development. With a powerful MOTTO coiled from the initials of the schools name, pupils are raised the right way. The MOTTO: CELEBRATE, INSPIRE, NURTURE, SUCCEED.

12. Cubitt Town Junior School

Cubitt Town Junior School is situated in Tower Hamlets, London and recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community involvement.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Manchester Rd, London E14 3NE, United Kingdom
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 7987 4362; Email: admin@cubitttown-jun.towerhamlets.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are overseen by the local authority, with priority given to children in care, those with siblings at the school, and those living nearby.

13. Gateway Primary School

Gateway Primary School is located in Westminster, London. The school is celebrated for its inclusive environment and dedication to fostering academic excellence among its pupils.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Capland Street, London, NW8 8LN
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 7723 4977; Email: chairofgovernors@gateway-academy.co.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Gateway Academy currently have some spaces in some year groups available for in year admissions. You will need to contact the school office either via telephone or the office email for an application pack.

14. John Burns Primary School

John Burns Primary School is situated in Wandsworth, London and recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. The school upholds her powerful motto: ‘Giving our Best, Achieving our Highest’ which could be seen in their active participation in competitions and winning of awards. Their awards include:

  1. Young Geographer of the Year Global Competition Winner 2025
  2. School Games Mark 2024-25
  3. Young Geographer of the Year – November 2024
  4. Wandsworth Young Historian – November 2024
  5. Equal Access School Award – October 2024
  6. School Games Mark 2023-24
  7. Music Mark School Award (July 2023)
  8. Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) Gilt Award 2019
  9. School Games Mark 2020
  10. Wandsworth Pupil Achievement Award 2019
  11. H2O Heroes – Certificate of Excellence April 2019
  12. Wandsworth/GLL Heritage Awards for Schools 2019
  13. TfL STARS Award 2019
  14. Historical Association – Historical Fiction Writing Competition 2018

Details:

  • Year of Establishment: early 1950s.
  • Address: Wycliffe Road, Battersea, London, SW11 5QR
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 7228 3857; Email: office@johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are managed by the local authority, with priority given to children in care, those with siblings at the school, and those living in proximity.

15. Michael Faraday School

Michael Faraday School is based in Southwark, London and celebrated for its innovative teaching methods and strong community engagement.

Michael Faraday School is a well-known school, so it is important to apply early. Late applications are not included in the first round. Reception places are given by the Local Education Authority, not the school. The Local Education Authority keeps the waiting list until 31st August each year, after which it is passed to the school.

If your child is already in the school Nursery, you still need to apply online for a Reception place. Moving from Nursery to Reception is not automatic.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Portland Street, Walworth, London, SE17 2HR
  • Contact Information: Phone: 020 7703 5806; Email:  info@michaelfaraday.southwark.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions follow the local authority’s criteria, prioritizing children based on factors like proximity and sibling attendance.

16. Ramsden Infant School

Ramsden Infant School is a Community Infant School for children between the ages of 3-7 years. Located in Cumbria, it is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for young learners, focusing on early childhood development.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: TThwaite St, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 1AN, United Kingdom
  • Contact Information: Phone: 01229 840950; Email: admin@ramsden.cumbria.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are for children between the ages of 3-7 years.

17. St John the Divine Church of England Primary School

St John the Divine is situated in Lambeth, London, known for its strong Christian ethos and commitment to academic excellence. St John the Divine reflect on and celebrate a  different value each month.

  1. January -Kindness
  2. February -Love
  3. March – Faithfulness
  4. April -Gentleness
  5. May -Peace
  6. June -Goodness
  7. July – Hope
  8. September – Self Control
  9. October – Patience
  10. November – Forgiveness
  11. December -Joy

Details:

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Warham Street, Camberwell, London, SE5 0SX
  • Contact Information: Phone: 0207 735 4898; Email: admin@sjtdprimary.org.uk
  • Admission Requirements: St John the Divine Primary School follows Lambeth Local Authority procedures for admissions.

St John the Divine Church of England School has a strong Christian ethos at its core. It creates an inclusive, caring, and supportive environment where children can learn and grow, guided by Christian values. We welcome applications from everyone in the community and ask parents to respect the school’s Christian ethos and its role in the community.

For applications for the current school year and the next round of Reception admissions, please refer to the Admissions Policies.

18. St Monica’s Catholic Primary School

St Monica’s Catholic Primary School is located in Sefton and celebrated for its inclusive environment and dedication to fostering academic excellence among its pupils.

  • Year of Establishment: 1969
  • Address: Aintree Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 9EB
  • Contact Information: Phone: 0151 525 1245; Website: finance.stmonicas@schools.sefton.gov.uk, ht.stmonicas@schools.sefton.gov.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions follow the local authority’s criteria, prioritizing children based on factors like proximity and sibling attendance. Applications for admission into Reception need to be made direct to Sefton Councill.

19. St Paul’s Peel Church of England Primary School

St Paul’s Peel is based in Salford and recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Little Hulton, Manchester, M38 9RB
  • Contact Information: Phone: 0161 790 2327/0161 921 1066; Email: office@stpaulspeelce.co.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are managed by the local authority, with priority given to children in care, those with siblings at the school, and those living in proximity. Admissions are open to pupils between 3 and 11 years.

20. St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery

St Sebastian’s is situated in Liverpool, known for its strong community ties and dedication to student achievement.

  • Year of Establishment: Not specified
  • Address: Holly Road, Fairfield, Liverpool, L7 0LH
  • Contact Information: Phone: 0151 260 9697; Email: sebastians-ao@st-sebastians.liverpool.sch.uk
  • Admission Requirements: Admissions are handled by the local authority, with criteria including proximity and sibling attendance.

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