Top 10 Primary Schools in the Royal London Borough of Kingston Upon Thames (2025 Update)

Educational and Fun Activities


Written by Gregg Payne

09 August 2024

🕓 4 min

The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames is home to some of the most well-respected primary schools in Greater London. Known for its community spirit and educational excellence, Kingston offers a wide range of schooling options to suit families seeking both academic success and nurturing environments.

This 2025 update highlights ten of the borough’s standout primary schools — institutions known not only for strong exam performance but also for their holistic approach to development. Whether it’s a school with a faith-based ethos, a focus on creativity, or an emphasis on personal growth, Kingston has options for every family’s educational values.

Each featured school in this guide offers something unique, from inclusive support systems and innovative teaching styles to inspiring extracurricular programmes. If you're considering primary education in Kingston, this list provides a solid starting point to find the right fit for your child’s learning journey.

1. Fern Hill Primary School

Fern Hill Primary School in North Kingston continues to be a top choice for families due to its excellent academic results and vibrant, inclusive learning environment. The school champions a holistic approach to education, nurturing pupils’ intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

With a diverse curriculum that includes core academic subjects, creative arts, sports, and technology, Fern Hill ensures every child can discover and pursue their interests. Students frequently participate in school plays, concerts, and competitive sporting events — helping them develop confidence and teamwork.

The school is particularly known for its strong pastoral care and emphasis on wellbeing. Teachers foster an environment where children feel safe, supported, and motivated to achieve their best. Parental involvement is actively encouraged through regular communication and community events.

Fern Hill’s combination of high standards, well-rounded opportunities, and inclusive ethos makes it one of the most sought-after primary schools in Kingston for 2025 and beyond.

2. Lovelace Primary School

Lovelace Primary School in Chessington is a thriving, inclusive community where academic achievement and personal development go hand in hand. The school is well-known for fostering independence, resilience, and confidence in its pupils — creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Its broad and engaging curriculum integrates core subjects with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and innovation. From hands-on science experiments to drama workshops and sports competitions, students are encouraged to try new things and challenge themselves.

Lovelace places a strong emphasis on positive relationships and wellbeing. The supportive staff team works closely with parents to ensure each child feels valued and encouraged to reach their potential. Special educational needs are met with tailored strategies and a whole-school ethos of inclusion.

With its blend of academic strength, creative opportunity, and warm community spirit, Lovelace Primary continues to stand out as one of Kingston’s most balanced and forward-looking primary schools.

3. St Paul’s Church of England Primary School

St Paul’s C of E Primary in Chessington offers families a values-led education rooted in Christian ethos, combined with a strong focus on academic achievement and personal development. The school prides itself on nurturing each child’s character while also helping them excel across the curriculum.

The learning environment at St Paul’s is both caring and aspirational. Pupils are encouraged to reflect, persevere, and celebrate their successes. The school integrates its values — respect, honesty, and compassion — into daily routines, assemblies, and classroom life, creating a supportive culture.

St Paul’s delivers a rich programme that includes science, the arts, technology, and sports. Children regularly participate in music ensembles, art exhibitions, and sports festivals, ensuring a balanced experience.

With its strong leadership, inclusive atmosphere, and faith-driven approach to holistic education, St Paul’s Church of England Primary remains one of Kingston’s most respected and community-centred schools in 2025.

4. Latchmere School

Latchmere School in North Kingston is renowned for its high academic standards and inclusive ethos. With a strong emphasis on excellence and equity, the school provides a warm, motivating environment that nurtures every child’s potential.

Latchmere’s broad curriculum includes everything from maths and literacy to computing, languages, and creative arts. Teachers encourage students to think independently, work collaboratively, and take pride in their learning. Opportunities to explore new interests are supported through regular topic days, themed weeks, and school-wide projects.

The school also offers an extensive range of after-school clubs and enrichment opportunities — from coding and chess to sports and performing arts. This ensures pupils are not only learning but thriving socially and creatively.

Latchmere’s dedication to strong leadership, pupil wellbeing, and parental engagement continues to position it as a top-tier primary option in Kingston. It remains especially popular with families seeking a dynamic and balanced start to their children’s education.

5. St John’s Church of England Primary School

St John’s C of E Primary School in Kingston is a nurturing, values-driven school with a strong academic reputation and a close-knit community. The school offers a warm, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.

The curriculum is broad and well-balanced, with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy supported by high-quality teaching. In addition to academic learning, pupils benefit from creative subjects such as music, drama, and art, which are woven into daily classroom life.

St John’s also places a strong focus on physical activity and outdoor learning. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world and engage in team sports and playground challenges that promote physical wellbeing and confidence.

Rooted in Christian values, the school fosters compassion, respect, and kindness. With dedicated staff, active parental involvement, and a well-rounded educational offer, St John’s continues to be a trusted choice for Kingston families.

6. King’s Oak Primary School

King’s Oak Primary School in Tolworth is celebrated for its inclusive ethos, innovative teaching, and holistic approach to child development. The school offers a welcoming and supportive environment that helps every student thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

At King’s Oak, the curriculum blends academic excellence with creativity, wellbeing, and practical life skills. Students engage in meaningful learning across subjects, supported by modern technology and hands-on experiences that reinforce key concepts in real-world contexts.

The school’s commitment to mental health and emotional literacy is especially notable. Dedicated pastoral staff and wellbeing programmes help children develop resilience, empathy, and self-awareness from an early age.

With strong leadership and a community-centred outlook, King’s Oak places high value on collaboration between staff, families, and pupils. Its forward-thinking culture and personalised learning approach make it a top contender for families in the Kingston area seeking a progressive, child-focused education.

7. Malden Manor Primary and Nursery School

Malden Manor Primary and Nursery School in New Malden is known for its warm, inclusive ethos and commitment to nurturing the whole child. With a focus on both academic achievement and personal development, the school creates an environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

The curriculum at Malden Manor promotes creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Children enjoy a mix of classroom learning and outdoor exploration, including gardening, forest school activities, and science projects that encourage curiosity about the natural world.

Community engagement is a core part of the school’s identity. Staff actively partner with families and local organisations to provide enrichment opportunities and foster a strong sense of belonging. The school’s vibrant extracurricular programme further enhances pupils’ growth, with options in music, sport, and the arts.

Malden Manor’s dedication to holistic education, coupled with inclusive leadership and a nurturing environment, makes it a trusted favourite among Kingston parents.

8. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Kingston blends academic excellence with faith-based education rooted in Catholic values. Known for its outstanding results and strong community spirit, the school offers a nurturing setting where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

The curriculum is both rigorous and enriching, with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematics supported by creative arts, music, and physical education. Children are also introduced to faith studies, social responsibility, and global citizenship, shaping them into thoughtful, compassionate individuals.

Parents praise the school’s inclusive atmosphere, excellent communication, and the dedication of its staff. Weekly assemblies, faith celebrations, and regular parental engagement help build a strong connection between home, school, and parish.

St Joseph’s is a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded education grounded in kindness, discipline, and community service. Its commitment to academic and spiritual growth makes it a standout option in Kingston’s primary education landscape.

9. Christ Church New Malden C of E Primary School

Christ Church New Malden is a high-achieving Church of England primary school that combines strong academic performance with a deep sense of community and faith. Located in the heart of New Malden, the school provides a balanced education where every child is supported to succeed and flourish.

The school’s curriculum is broad, blending core academics with subjects such as music, art, PE, and religious education. There is a clear emphasis on nurturing pupils’ creativity, physical wellbeing, and spiritual growth alongside traditional academic subjects.

Christ Church New Malden is particularly praised for its pastoral care. Staff work closely with parents to ensure children feel safe, valued, and confident — creating a supportive environment where every child is known by name and encouraged to be their best self.

Its vibrant extracurricular activities and regular community engagement reflect the school’s values of kindness, service, and excellence, making it one of Kingston’s most respected primary schools.

10. Surbiton High Boys’ Preparatory School

Surbiton High Boys’ Prep is a leading independent school offering a personalised and inspiring education for boys aged 4–11. The school is part of the Surbiton High School family and is known for its academic strength, small class sizes, and commitment to holistic development.

Pupils benefit from a rich and rigorous curriculum that balances academic challenge with creativity and character-building. From science labs to music rooms and sports pitches, the learning environment is tailored to stimulate curiosity and foster confidence. Staff ensure that every child receives individual attention, adapting teaching to suit diverse learning styles.

The school’s broad extracurricular programme includes drama, debating, coding, and competitive sport — all delivered in a supportive atmosphere that nurtures resilience and leadership.

Surbiton High Boys’ Prep is an excellent option for families seeking a values-driven independent education where boys are encouraged to aim high, stay grounded, and enjoy their journey to becoming confident learners.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames is home to some of the most dynamic and well-rounded primary schools in London. Whether you’re looking for faith-based values, innovative teaching, academic excellence, or creative exploration, Kingston offers a diverse mix of learning environments to suit every family’s priorities.

Each school featured in this list brings something special to the table — from outstanding pastoral care and broad extracurricular programmes to inclusive learning cultures and visionary leadership. These schools not only prepare children for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.

To extend your child’s learning in exciting, interactive ways, consider our Science of Sound holiday camps. We also offer engaging science workshops and after-school clubs designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for STEM.

🔍 Learn more at scienceofsound.co.uk and discover how we’re helping Kingston families unlock the power of sound through hands-on science fun!

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