Written by Gregg Payne
16 August 2024
🕓 10 min
Merton continues to shine as one of South London’s most family-friendly boroughs, offering excellent primary education across a wide range of community and faith-based schools. Whether you’re a local resident or new to the area, finding the right school is an important step in your child’s early learning journey.
This updated 2025 guide features ten of the best-performing and most respected primary schools in Merton. From academic strength and creative enrichment to values-based education and inclusive learning environments, these schools represent the best of what the borough has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for strong pastoral care, a dynamic curriculum, or a balanced approach to education, you’ll find inspiring options on this list. Read on to explore the schools leading the way in nurturing the next generation of confident, curious learners in Merton.
Wimbledon Park Primary School is consistently ranked among the top schools in Merton, celebrated for its high academic standards and focus on creativity, independence, and community engagement. Located in a vibrant part of Wimbledon, the school offers an enriching environment where children are encouraged to explore, question, and grow.
The curriculum is broad and stimulating, with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and science. In addition, pupils benefit from lessons in music, drama, languages, and computing. This balance ensures students develop both academically and personally, becoming confident and capable learners.
The school also prioritises pupil voice, offering children opportunities to take part in decision-making through school councils and peer mentoring. Parents commend the school’s commitment to inclusion and the excellent communication between staff and families.
Wimbledon Park Primary is a clear leader in combining academic rigour with holistic development — making it one of Merton’s most popular and respected primary education providers.
Pelham Primary School, nestled in the heart of Wimbledon, is known for its nurturing atmosphere and consistently strong academic outcomes. The school’s inclusive ethos and dedication to pupil wellbeing make it a favourite among local families.
Academically, Pelham excels in both core and foundation subjects. Pupils benefit from high-quality teaching and a curriculum that supports curiosity and challenge. From maths mastery and creative writing to science investigations and digital learning, every child is encouraged to reach their potential.
Pastoral care is a key strength at Pelham. The school actively promotes emotional wellbeing and resilience, with dedicated staff supporting pupils at every stage of their learning journey. Parents are welcomed as partners, with regular communication and opportunities for involvement.
With its emphasis on holistic development and community values, Pelham Primary School continues to be a top choice for families seeking a balanced, supportive, and academically strong environment in the London Borough of Merton.
St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Raynes Park combines academic success with a strong Christian ethos, making it a popular choice for families seeking both faith-based and high-quality education. The school is known for its welcoming community and well-rounded curriculum.
Academic performance is strong across core areas like English, maths, and science, supported by creative subjects including art, music, and design technology. The school also offers rich opportunities in sport and outdoor learning, helping pupils build confidence, collaboration, and curiosity.
St Matthew’s takes pride in its values-driven approach. Children are taught to be kind, respectful, and resilient, and these principles are embedded across school life — from daily assemblies to peer mentoring and pastoral care.
The school’s focus on personal development, strong links with the church and local community, and supportive staff make it a trusted and inspiring environment for young learners across the Borough of Merton.
Joseph Hood Primary School in West Wimbledon is a well-regarded school known for its inclusive approach, high expectations, and creative, well-balanced curriculum. Its supportive ethos and engaging learning environment make it a top choice for families in the area.
The school excels in delivering academic excellence across English, maths, and science, while also placing great value on subjects like music, PE, art, and computing. Children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through inquiry-based tasks and collaborative projects.
Joseph Hood also has a strong commitment to pastoral care. Staff build warm, positive relationships with pupils, and the school prioritises wellbeing, self-esteem, and social skills. Children feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.
Parents appreciate the school’s communication, leadership, and enrichment opportunities, including assemblies, competitions, and community events. With a welcoming spirit and a focus on the whole child, Joseph Hood Primary continues to lead in shaping confident, motivated learners.
Merton Park Primary School is a small, community-focused school with a reputation for personalised learning, strong relationships, and creative teaching. Located near the heart of Merton, it’s a favourite for families seeking a nurturing environment and excellent educational outcomes.
The school delivers a broad curriculum that balances high academic standards with opportunities for exploration and self-expression. Pupils thrive in lessons that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and imagination — from hands-on science investigations to creative writing and the arts.
Merton Park is praised for its close-knit community and inclusive ethos. Teachers know pupils well and adapt lessons to support a wide range of needs and learning styles. Parents regularly highlight the approachable leadership, clear communication, and the emphasis on kindness and mutual respect.
With engaging after-school activities, strong teaching, and a child-centred approach, Merton Park Primary continues to offer a rich and rewarding educational experience in the Borough of Merton.
Dundonald Primary School in Wimbledon is celebrated for its high academic standards and commitment to developing confident, independent learners. With a welcoming atmosphere and a future-focused curriculum, it remains a popular and respected choice in the Borough of Merton.
The school offers a rich educational experience rooted in core subjects, complemented by engaging lessons in music, art, technology, and physical education. Students benefit from the school’s modern facilities, including science labs and creative learning spaces that encourage exploration and collaboration.
Dundonald is also known for its strong sense of community. Staff work closely with families, creating a shared vision for each child’s progress. Emotional wellbeing, diversity, and resilience are all embedded into daily school life, helping children grow not just academically, but personally.
With dedicated teachers, a vibrant extracurricular programme, and a whole-child approach to success, Dundonald Primary School continues to set the bar for excellence in Merton’s primary education landscape.
Hatfeild Primary School in Morden is known for its inclusive values, academic rigour, and strong sense of community. The school provides a safe, supportive learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, express, and excel across all areas of learning.
The curriculum is dynamic and diverse, offering solid coverage of core subjects while celebrating creativity through art, music, and storytelling. Pupils also benefit from outdoor learning opportunities, promoting curiosity and a connection to the world around them.
Teachers at Hatfeild are committed to meeting the needs of every child, with excellent SEN provision and strong support for personal growth and resilience. The school fosters teamwork and kindness through peer mentoring, house systems, and regular community events.
Families value the strong leadership, high expectations, and open communication that define Hatfeild’s approach. For those seeking a school that balances achievement with inclusion and emotional wellbeing, Hatfeild Primary remains one of Merton’s most respected schools.
Holy Trinity C of E Primary School in Wimbledon stands out for its strong Christian ethos, excellent teaching, and holistic approach to education. It offers a welcoming, values-led environment where academic achievement and spiritual development go hand in hand.
The school delivers a well-rounded curriculum that combines high standards in English, maths, and science with broad opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and social growth. Pupils take part in music, drama, outdoor learning, and themed cross-curricular projects that build confidence and teamwork.
Holy Trinity places strong emphasis on pastoral care and emotional literacy. Pupils are taught to respect and support one another, with inclusive practices and leadership opportunities available for every child.
Families value the school’s open communication, thoughtful leadership, and clear focus on wellbeing and whole-child development. As a trusted pillar of the Merton education community, Holy Trinity C of E continues to provide a balanced, nurturing foundation for children of all faiths and backgrounds.
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School in Merton offers a welcoming, faith-based education that combines academic success with strong spiritual and moral development. The school is guided by Catholic values and maintains a close-knit, caring community.
The curriculum is both challenging and enriching, promoting high standards in literacy, numeracy, and science while also nurturing creativity through music, drama, and the arts. Pupils are encouraged to participate in charitable activities, eco projects, and faith-based learning experiences that deepen their understanding of service and community.
St John Fisher is known for its inclusive and supportive culture. Staff prioritise pastoral care, ensuring each child feels respected, safe, and encouraged to thrive. The school also provides strong SEN support and effective partnerships with parents.
With its high expectations, compassionate ethos, and commitment to whole-child development, St John Fisher continues to be a top choice for families seeking values-led education in the London Borough of Merton.
The Priory Church of England Primary School in Wimbledon is known for its strong Christian values, academic achievement, and dedication to developing well-rounded individuals. The school provides a supportive and reflective learning environment where children feel empowered to reach their full potential.
Academically, The Priory performs well across all key stages, with pupils consistently demonstrating strong progress in reading, writing, and maths. The curriculum is broad and inclusive, incorporating art, sport, music, and outdoor learning to promote creative and physical development.
A defining feature of the school is its emphasis on character and community. Pupils take part in regular worship, community initiatives, and leadership programmes that encourage responsibility and mutual respect.
Parents appreciate the school’s clear values, approachable staff, and focus on pastoral care. With its nurturing ethos and commitment to excellence, The Priory C of E continues to be one of Merton’s leading primary schools for faith-based, whole-child education.
The London Borough of Merton remains one of South London’s top destinations for outstanding primary education. With its mix of high-achieving, inclusive, and values-led schools, families in Merton have access to a wealth of quality options that cater to a wide range of educational needs and aspirations.
From schools rooted in strong community traditions to those pioneering innovative learning approaches, the primary schools featured here represent the best of what Merton has to offer. Whether you’re seeking academic rigour, emotional wellbeing support, creative opportunities, or a faith-based education, this list showcases schools that go above and beyond.
To complement your child’s educational journey, The Science of Sound offers dynamic science workshops, after-school clubs, and holiday camps throughout Merton. These programmes are designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and make STEM learning exciting through sound-powered experiments and hands-on exploration.
🔍 Learn more at scienceofsound.co.uk and help your child discover the joy of learning beyond the classroom!
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