Rathfern Primary School
Rathfern Road, Catford, London, SE6 4NLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Rathfern Primary School is a primary school in Lewisham for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 94 schools in Lewisham. It ranks 10th of 63 primary schools in Lewisham. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in January 2026.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 20 January 2026, report published 7 June 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Strong standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Strong standard
- Achievement
- Expected standard
- Attendance and behaviour
- Strong standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Strong standard
- Leadership and governance
- Strong standard
- Early years
- Strong standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 20 January 2026
Pupils come to school eagerly because they enjoy their learning and all that the school has to offer. This is reflected in their high attendance. Pupils and families are greeted warmly by the 'senior prefects' who support pupils to come into school, if needed. This, along with the positive relationships between staff and pupils, helps pupils to feel safe and cared for. Pupils know who to go to if they have any worries and say that any incidents of bullying will be dealt with. In this school, every second counts as a learning opportunity. From the moment pupils enter the classroom, learning begins, whether this is singing counting songs, completing basic skills work or receiving intensive support from skilled staff. Pupils are keen and diligent learners. They focus well and are keen to be actively involved. As a result, pupils achieve well and are well prepared for their next steps in education. Pupils' behaviour around the school and at social times is respectful, kind and thoughtful. Expectations are understood clearly by everyone. Pupils have a deep understanding of how to get along with each other and how to manage their own feelings and emotions. The 'social prefects' look out for others during social times to make sure that everyone is okay. Pupils relish the wider opportunities the school provides and the impact they can have on their local community and beyond. Members of the eco-council relish being 'change-makers' who make a positive difference, for example by litter-picking to keep the school clean and tidy. Pupils' talents and interests are developed through the vast range of extra-curricular activities available, including a wide range of musical and sports opportunities, as well as arts and crafts, and chess, to name just a few.
What the school should improve
- Leaders should continue to strengthen their work in reducing barriers to learning so that pupils' achievement is clearly reflected in the school's published outcomes over time.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
60 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
484 pupils on roll, with places for 515
Schools near Rathfern Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilmorie Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 66% met the expected standard |
| St William of York Catholic Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 72% met the expected standard |
| Dalmain Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 71% met the expected standard |
| Rushey Green Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 49% met the expected standard |
| Holbeach Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 56% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Naheeda Maharasingam
- Phone
- 02086903759
- Address
- Rathfern Road, Catford, London, SE6 4NL
- Local authority
- Lewisham
- URN
- 100700
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.