Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 0 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Outstanding

Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre is a primary school in Islington for ages 0 to 11. It is one of the 69 schools in Islington. It ranks 5th of 39 primary schools in Islington. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in November 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 19 November 2024, report published 16 January 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 November 2024

Pupils are very happy and proud of their school. They cherish all the learning and multiple enrichment activities on offer. Absence rates are exceptionally low. The school is determined to ensure that every pupil can achieve their very best. From the early years upwards, pupils progress extremely well through the curriculum. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stages of their education, for example, when they move to secondary school. Pupils and staff enjoy very strong and trustful working relationships. These are established right from the start of the Nursery Year. There is a highly respectful ambiance that permeates across the school. Pupils value interacting with, learning about and celebrating each other's cultures. Pupils have extensive empathy for each other. For example, they are understanding of and supportive to their peers, who may need help with their emotional regulation. The school provides pupils with a range of leadership opportunities. These include being 'captains', eco-warriors, sports ambassadors and playground buddies. Pupils must apply for these positions. If successful, they attend induction training. These opportunities build pupils' understanding of how to serve the community and what is involved in applying for a job.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

60 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths78%

78%, 16 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths13%

13%, 5 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score111

111, 5 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score112

112, 7 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

515 pupils on roll, with places for 508

Eligible for free school meals29.3%

29.3%, 2.8 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language39.8%

39.8%, 18.2 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.2%

14.2%, 0.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan5.8%

5.8%, 0.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Gillespie Primary School0.2 milesOfsted: Outstanding89% met the expected standard
Parkwood Primary School0.2 milesOfsted: Good59% met the expected standard
St John's Highbury Vale CofE Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good62% met the expected standard
St Joan of Arc RC Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good71% met the expected standard
Pooles Park Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: InadequateNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
0 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Sandeep McNicholl
Address
Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DR
Local authority
Islington
URN
100397

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.