Soho Parish Primary School 23 Great Windmill Street, London W1D 7LF

"My daughter has attended now for 4 years and has 4 awesome,happy and structured years here. All the staff are like a close family whom are passionate about each and every child. Headmistress Louise is such a dedicated and strong role model that drives the school to abouv and beyond. Soho parish is a little community and it's a gem of a primary school."

"Hands down the best state primary school in London, let alone Fitzrovia-Soho-Bloomsbury-Marylebone. Anyone who is raising a family this centrally will know how hard the school game is. We couldn't believe our luck in finding (and actually getting a place at) this gem of a school. In fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking it a private school at first glance. Seeing the no-uniform policy in action as enthusiastic kids break away from their eclectic Soho parents to run smiling through the school gate in the morning will only heighten your curiosity. It's not for everyone, admitedly, as the non-pushy, progressive approach to education has to suit. However, if you like the ethos, you won't believe your luck either. Yes, it's OFSTED outstanding and yes, due to historically listed building regulations, each class is absurdly smaller than you'd expect, but what really blew us away was the family feel and caring culture set by the dedicated Head and her staff. Communication with parents is great and relative status is irrelevant - teachers are called by their first names by the students and join in fundraising efforts and social events with parents. There is a relaxed but respectful approach to community that seems to make good citizens as well as learners. Teaching quality is high and approach is child-centric across the years, staff turnover is low and provision for arts, sports, music, foreign language and everything else vital but rapidly disappearing from the state system is beyond excellent. There is a principled sensitivity at Soho Parish I've experineced many times already around respecting the individuality of students while dealing with issues of bullying, fighting or disrespect swiftly and without compromise. The teaching staff and administration truly mean the values stated on the walls. And so do the students. Speaking of values, this was the only school, private, prep or state we visited in London that had true diversity in each cohort. Euphomisms abound for diversity these days but what I mean here is quite specific: There was and is no dominant majority group of any description, such that those not within it feel excluded or unwelcome. Our own children have classmates from more than a few demographics across 11 countries and counting, religious and non-religious backgrounds (though Soho is officially C of E, there is no faith requirement at all, let alone the absurdly hypocritical church attendance favoured by our number 2 choice school in Marylebone) and a true mix of cultures. What families do seem to share, or adopt quite quickly, is the belief in the value list of the school. And, speaking of faith, this has restored ours in the state system. Just don't ask me about options for secondary schools as I'll break down in tears. Unless Soho Parish would perhaps consider extending?!"

"We love this school. Our son is happy, nurtured and supported and there is such a strong community feel to the whole school. As it is small everyone knows everyone and supports each other. They are academically strong whilst also nurturing independence and creativity in the children. Plus what a privilege to go to school in the heart of Soho! Couldn’t wish for a better place for our kids primary education."

"Fantastic school - friendly, kind, creative children, environment and teaching; good academic results too (ofsted outstanding worn very lightly - no uniform etc). Makes most of all centre of london has to offer - and still feels like an inclusive village school - soho is a village (8 to 6 completely Flexible breakfast and after school clubs also good for working parents)"

"small community school which is relaxed, no uniform needed and teachers get called by their first names! AMAZING reception teacher (steven) children love school. the head teacher isn't very popular with everyone but things are getting better"