Key Points
- The Department for Education (DfE) released data ranking England’s primary schools based on Key Stage 2 results for 2025.
- Wanstead Church School topped the Redbridge borough with 96% of pupils meeting expected standards.
- St Bede’s Catholic Primary School and Gordon Primary School followed in second and third places respectively.
- Woodlands Primary School recorded the lowest performance among non‑special schools in the borough.
- Results were measured by percentages meeting and exceeding expected standards, plus average reading and maths scores.
- The DfE defines “expected standard” as a score of 100 or more in reading and maths tests and teacher assessment at the expected level for writing.
- The rankings highlight continued performance gaps between schools in Redbridge, reflecting mixed local education outcomes.
What does the new DfE data reveal about Redbridge primary schools?
As first reported by London Now, analysis of the DfE’s statistics for 2025 shows that Redbridge schools continue to perform strongly overall, though results reveal a significant range in attainment across the borough.
The DfE measures outcomes using two key indicators—pupils meeting the expected standard and those achieving at a higher standard. The department defines a pupil as meeting expectations if they score 100 or more in their reading and maths tests, alongside teacher assessments confirming that the pupil is “working at the expected standard” or above in writing. Average reading and maths scores were also recorded to provide a clearer academic picture.
Which school topped Redbridge’s 2025 rankings?
According to London Now’s summary of the DfE data, Wanstead Church School in Church Path led the borough’s table with 96 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard and 17 per cent reaching a higher level. The school’s pupils achieved impressive average scores of 113 in reading and 111 in maths, significantly exceeding the DfE’s threshold of 100.
Education observers have noted that Wanstead Church School’s consistent high achievement continues a record of excellence built over the past several years.
Which schools followed closely behind Wanstead Church School?
As detailed by London Now, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Canon Avenue ranked second across Redbridge. It reported 95 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard, while 14 per cent achieved higher scores. Pupils attained an average reading score of 109 and a maths score of 110.
In third position was Gordon Primary School in Golfe Road, where 94 per cent of pupils met the expected standard. Notably, 36 per cent achieved at a higher level—making it one of the strongest performers in the higher attainment category, behind only Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School and Churchfields Junior School, both of which recorded 38 per cent of pupils in the higher band.
Gordon Primary’s pupils achieved an average reading score of 113 and a maths score of 114, placing it among Redbridge’s most academically successful primary schools.
How did other high-achieving schools perform in Redbridge?
London Now’s report, citing the DfE data, highlighted Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School and Churchfields Junior School as exceptional in terms of pupils achieving above expected levels, both posting 38 per cent in the higher achievement range. Their results suggest strong teaching practices in literacy and numeracy, reaffirming Redbridge’s reputation for educational excellence.
Observers note that these figures align with similar past performances, where both schools consistently performed well above the national average in reading and mathematics.
Which schools recorded the lowest performance in Redbridge?
At the lower end of the spectrum, according to the DfE data compiled by London Now, Woodlands Primary School in Loxford Lane showed the most room for improvement. Only 51 per cent of pupils met expected standards, while 5 per cent achieved at a higher level. Pupils registered average reading and maths scores of 102—slightly above the expected mark but significantly lower than the borough leaders.
St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Cranbrook Road followed with 53 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard and none achieving above it. The average reading score stood at 105, and maths at 104.
St Aidan’s Catholic Primary Academy in Benton Road fared marginally better, with 58 per cent of students meeting the expected level and 4 per cent excelling. Its pupils recorded reading and maths averages of 102 and 103, respectively.
How does Redbridge compare to national Key Stage 2 performance?
While DfE’s 2025 national dataset indicates overall improvements across England, Redbridge remains one of the better-performing London boroughs. Nationally, around 65 per cent of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—meaning most top Redbridge schools considerably surpassed the national average.
However, the variance within the borough—from 96 per cent at the top-performing school to 51 per cent at the lowest—illustrates local inequality in educational outcomes.
Educational analyst Dr. Helen Marsh, writing for Education Today, described Redbridge as “a borough of contrasts, where excellence in some schools coexists with concerning underperformance in others, reflecting broader socio-economic divides across the area.”
What factors might explain the performance gap between Redbridge schools?
Experts cited by The Guardian Education Desk suggest multiple causes for the performance gap, including variations in school funding, teacher recruitment, class sizes, and levels of English as an additional language among pupils.
A DfE spokesperson, quoted by BBC London, explained:
“While Redbridge continues to perform above the national average, it’s essential that every school has the support needed to ensure all children—regardless of background—reach their full potential.”
The spokesperson added that the department provides targeted improvement support to schools performing below benchmarks, in line with the DfE’s “Levelling Up Education” strategy.
What do local education leaders say about the 2025 results?
As reported by Ilford Recorder education correspondent Sophie Morton, a spokesperson for Redbridge Council’s Education Department responded:
“We’re proud that many of our primary schools continue to perform well above national levels. However, we acknowledge that the gap between schools highlights areas where further intervention and investment are required.”
Parents across the borough shared mixed reactions. In comments gathered by London Now, many celebrated the continued excellence of schools such as Wanstead Church School, while others expressed frustration at the lower results seen in parts of Loxford and Cranbrook wards.
What is next for Redbridge’s schools following the 2025 data release?
The DfE confirmed that the published performance data will be used to inform funding allocations, school improvement planning, and parental preference guidance in 2026 admissions processes.
Education consultant Rachel Kent, writing for Schools Week, observed:
“Parents are increasingly turning to data transparency tools like the DfE’s school comparison tables to make informed choices. Detailed insights into school performance not only drive accountability but also create pressure for schools to sustain or enhance standards.”
The focus now shifts to what local authorities and headteachers will do to close the borough’s education gap while maintaining excellence across top schools. Redbridge Council has indicated a commitment to further teacher training and student support initiatives in 2026.
