Top 10 primary schools in the London Borough of Croydon (update 2025)
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Gregg Payne
19 August 2024
? 10 min
Croydon’s vibrant and diverse communities are reflected in its excellent primary schools, which offer outstanding academic programmes, creative enrichment, and strong community values. Whether you’re a long-term local or considering a move to this growing part of South London, finding the right school is a crucial step for your family.
In this updated 2025 list, we highlight ten of Croydon’s top-performing and most well-rounded primary schools. From independent institutions to faith-based and community-focused schools, these selections showcase the borough’s impressive educational landscape.
Whether you’re seeking academic excellence, pastoral support, a broad extracurricular offer, or an inspiring sense of community, Croydon’s schools deliver it all. Read on to discover the schools making a real difference — and helping children thrive in every aspect of their early education journey.
1. St Peter’s Primary School
St Peter’s Primary School in South Croydon continues to be a top choice for families seeking a nurturing environment combined with strong academic achievement. The school prides itself on offering a well-rounded education, blending high standards in core subjects with creativity, sports, and social skills development.
The curriculum is broad and stimulating, with pupils regularly engaging in cross-curricular projects that encourage independent thinking and collaborative learning. Music, art, and drama are celebrated alongside academic achievement, ensuring children develop confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
In addition to academic rigour, St Peter’s places a strong emphasis on pastoral care and inclusivity. Pupils are supported to grow socially and emotionally through mentoring programmes, house systems, and community service projects.
With excellent facilities, caring leadership, and a commitment to holistic development, St Peter’s Primary remains one of Croydon’s most respected and popular schools for 2025 and beyond.
2. Whitgift School (Junior Section)
Whitgift School’s Junior Section in South Croydon is one of the borough’s leading independent educational offerings, blending tradition, innovation, and exceptional pastoral care. Known for its academic rigour and wide-ranging opportunities, it provides an outstanding foundation for boys aged 7–11.
Small class sizes ensure that each pupil receives personalised attention, with lessons stretching across English, mathematics, science, languages, music, and the arts. The school also emphasises leadership, resilience, and character development through co-curricular activities such as debating, outdoor adventure, and music ensembles.
Sport is a key strength at Whitgift, with access to world-class facilities supporting children’s physical education and team spirit. There is also a focus on individual wellbeing, with proactive pastoral systems to ensure every child feels supported and valued.
For families seeking an academically ambitious and opportunity-rich environment, Whitgift’s Junior Section continues to set the standard for independent preparatory education in Croydon.
3. Howard Primary School
Howard Primary School, located near the centre of Croydon, offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where diversity is celebrated and academic excellence is consistently achieved. The school’s reputation is built on strong teaching, a supportive culture, and a clear focus on developing the whole child.
The curriculum at Howard Primary is broad and ambitious. Pupils benefit from high-quality instruction in English, mathematics, and science, alongside a wide range of creative subjects including music, art, design technology, and drama. Outdoor learning and sports are also integral to the school’s well-rounded approach.
The school community is close-knit, with active parental involvement and strong partnerships that reinforce pupils’ social and emotional development. Staff prioritise wellbeing through pastoral programmes, mentoring initiatives, and mindfulness practices.
Howard Primary’s commitment to academic achievement, inclusion, and character-building ensures it remains one of the top choices for families seeking a dynamic, future-ready education in Croydon.
4. The Minster Junior School
The Minster Junior School in Croydon is a thriving community school with a strong academic track record and a compassionate, inclusive ethos. As part of a federation with The Minster Nursery and Infant School, it provides a seamless, high-quality educational journey from early years through to the end of Key Stage 2.
The school’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to balance academic learning with creative exploration. Core subjects like literacy, numeracy, and science are complemented by a rich offering in music, art, PE, and citizenship education. Children are encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and collaborate with peers.
Pastoral care is a major strength at The Minster Junior. Staff nurture each child’s personal development through mentoring, wellbeing programmes, and community service opportunities. Strong links with the wider community and local church further enrich the school experience.
With its holistic approach, high standards, and warm environment, The Minster Junior remains one of Croydon’s standout primary schools.
5. Courtwood Primary School
Courtwood Primary School, situated in the Forestdale area of Croydon, is a school that champions both academic success and personal growth. Its commitment to holistic education, wellbeing, and outdoor learning has earned it a strong reputation among families.
The school offers a broad and exciting curriculum that blends high standards in literacy, mathematics, and science with opportunities in art, sport, music, and technology. Pupils are encouraged to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love of learning.
A unique feature of Courtwood is its forest school programme, where children explore the natural environment through outdoor education. This builds resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness, giving students skills that extend beyond the classroom.
The emphasis on wellbeing, pastoral support, and inclusive education ensures that every child feels safe, valued, and motivated. Courtwood’s dynamic and child-centred approach continues to place it among Croydon’s leading primary schools in 2025.
6. Elmwood Junior School
Elmwood Junior School in West Croydon is recognised for its dedication to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusive practice. With a warm, community-oriented ethos, the school provides a positive and ambitious environment where every child is supported to achieve their potential.
The school offers a well-rounded curriculum that blends strong foundations in English, maths, and science with creative arts, technology, and physical education. Elmwood fosters a sense of responsibility and independence, encouraging pupils to become active participants in their learning journeys.
Elmwood places a strong emphasis on inclusion and respect for all cultures and backgrounds. Children develop empathy, resilience, and leadership skills through school council initiatives, enrichment clubs, and community projects.
Parents appreciate Elmwood’s dynamic leadership, strong communication, and proactive focus on pastoral care. With its commitment to achievement, diversity, and personal growth, Elmwood Junior School continues to be a key pillar of excellence within Croydon’s educational landscape.
7. Woodcote Primary School
Woodcote Primary School, located in Coulsdon, is a popular choice among families seeking an academically ambitious, well-rounded education. Part of the GLF Trust, the school benefits from excellent resources, strong leadership, and a supportive, forward-thinking ethos.
The curriculum at Woodcote is designed to foster curiosity, independence, and high achievement across all subjects. Core academic disciplines are complemented by creative arts, digital technology, sports, and outdoor learning opportunities that build resilience and teamwork.
The school prides itself on providing a positive environment where emotional wellbeing is prioritised. Pupil voice is highly valued, and leadership opportunities are available through school councils, eco teams, and ambassador programmes.
Parents consistently praise the school’s academic outcomes, community spirit, and broad enrichment offer. With its dynamic teaching, caring atmosphere, and future-focused learning approach, Woodcote Primary continues to be a leading light in Croydon’s primary education landscape in 2025.
8. Park Hill Junior School
Park Hill Junior School, located in East Croydon, is a vibrant and inclusive school offering strong academic provision and a warm, community-focused environment. The school is well-known for its welcoming ethos, where diversity is celebrated and every child is supported to succeed.
Park Hill delivers a broad and balanced curriculum that includes rigorous instruction in literacy, mathematics, and science alongside a strong commitment to the arts, sport, and personal development. Pupils are encouraged to develop key life skills such as resilience, creativity, and teamwork through project-based learning and enrichment activities.
Wellbeing is central to Park Hill’s philosophy. The school provides a nurturing pastoral care system, peer support initiatives, and a wide variety of clubs and leadership opportunities to help children thrive emotionally and socially.
With its high standards, child-centred approach, and active parental engagement, Park Hill Junior remains one of Croydon’s most respected and trusted primary education choices for 2025.
9. Atwood Primary Academy
Atwood Primary Academy in Upper Woodcote Village offers a dynamic and community-driven learning environment, blending academic ambition with a deep commitment to pastoral care. The school is widely respected for delivering strong results while ensuring pupils feel supported and inspired.
As part of the Folio Education Trust, Atwood benefits from excellent leadership and a broad, enriching curriculum. Core subjects are complemented by outdoor learning, eco-projects, music, and physical education — helping pupils become confident, well-rounded learners.
Atwood also provides a rich extracurricular offer, with after-school clubs in sports, music, art, and STEM subjects. The school places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, leadership development, and character education, ensuring students leave not only academically prepared but emotionally resilient.
Known for its close community links and vibrant school culture, Atwood Primary Academy continues to stand out as one of Croydon’s top schools, offering children the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing world.
10. Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School
Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School, located in South Croydon, offers a faith-based education rooted in academic excellence, character development, and community spirit. The school is known for combining high standards with a compassionate, values-driven ethos.
Pupils at Regina Coeli benefit from a strong academic curriculum that includes rigorous instruction in literacy, numeracy, science, humanities, and religious education. Creativity and the arts are also nurtured through music, drama, and cross-curricular projects that support holistic development.
The school fosters a close partnership between home, school, and parish. Pupils are encouraged to live out the school’s Catholic values through acts of kindness, service projects, and reflection activities that promote empathy and leadership.
With excellent pastoral care, strong leadership, and a focus on academic and spiritual growth, Regina Coeli continues to be one of Croydon’s most respected Catholic primary schools — providing a warm, purposeful environment for young learners to thrive.
Final Thoughts
The London Borough of Croydon continues to offer families an impressive range of primary schools, each committed to nurturing children’s academic growth, personal development, and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for a faith-based education, a vibrant independent option, or a diverse and inclusive community school, Croydon has outstanding choices for every child.
Each school featured in this 2025 update reflects the borough’s strength in blending strong academic outcomes with holistic education, creativity, and community engagement. Families in Croydon can feel confident that their children will thrive in settings that prioritise excellence, resilience, and kindness.
To further support your child's growth beyond the classroom, The Science of Sound offers dynamic holiday camps, exciting after-school clubs, and hands-on science workshops throughout Croydon. We inspire children through sound-powered STEM experiences that make learning unforgettable.
? Find out more about our programmes at scienceofsound.co.uk — and take your child’s curiosity and confidence to the next level!
