Business Details
Grafton Primary School: Inspiring Young Minds in Islington
Grafton Primary School is a two-form community primary school serving children aged 2+ to 11 in Holloway, Islington. Our dedicated team, led by Head Teacher Andrew Turnock, delivers a creative and adaptive curriculum tailored to meet diverse learning needs. With extensive grounds featuring a wildlife garden, science lab, and art room, we foster a stimulating environment that prioritises well-being and academic excellence. Our inclusive approach reflects the rich cultural diversity of our local community, supported by specialist facilities including wheelchair access and accessible toilets. We offer extended day provisions such as breakfast and after-school clubs, alongside a nursery for 3-4 year olds operating morning and afternoon sessions.Through project-based learning and partnerships with parents, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning skills. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through initiatives like our award-winning film programme and diverse extracurricular activities. With over 60 Reception places available annually, we maintain structured start and finish times (9:00am-3:30pm) while providing flexible visiting arrangements for prospective families.
Services
Primary Education
Nursery Provision
Extended Day Care
Creative Curriculum
SEND Support
Highlights and features
- We deliver a creative, project-based curriculum with specialist learning spaces
- Our diverse staff supports the unique needs of Holloway's multicultural community
- We maintain 60 Reception places with structured early years provision
- Our extended day provisions include breakfast and after-school clubs
- We operate modern facilities including accessible toilets and lift access
Services
Primary Education
Grafton Primary School provides comprehensive education for children aged 4-11 through a creative, project-based curriculum aligned with National Curriculum standards. Our two-form entry structure supports 60 Reception places annually, with specialist teaching spaces including science labs and art rooms. The school maintains structured timetables while adapting learning approaches to meet individual needs.
Nursery Provision
We offer part-time nursery education for 3-4 year olds with morning and afternoon sessions. The provision forms part of our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, preparing children for primary education through play-based learning in purpose-built facilities. Our nursery integrates with wider school resources including outdoor learning spaces.
Extended Day Care
Our extended day provisions include breakfast club (8:00-9:00) and after-school club (15:30-17:45) with diverse activities like sports, dance, and music. The programme changes seasonally to maintain engagement, supporting working parents while providing safe, educational environments before and after school hours.
Creative Curriculum
We implement a creative, cross-curricular approach where subjects are taught through themed projects. This methodology uses art, music, and literature to engage pupils, making learning purposeful and memorable. The curriculum adapts to different learning styles while maintaining academic standards in core subjects.
SEND Support
Our school provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities through individualised learning plans. The non-negotiables framework ensures consistent teaching approaches, while our accessible facilities including lift access and specialist toilets promote inclusivity across all school activities.
People
Andrew Turnock
Head Teacher
Andrew Turnock leads Grafton Primary School with over 15 years' experience in primary education leadership. He champions creative learning approaches and community engagement, overseeing curriculum development and strategic direction while maintaining close links with pupils and families.
Questions
What age groups does Grafton Primary School cater for?
We accept children from age 2+ through our nursery provision up to 11 years old in Year 6, following the Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum frameworks.
Does the school offer after-school care?
Yes, our extended day provision operates from 3:30pm to 5:45pm daily with varied activities including sports, arts, and homework support, alongside a morning breakfast club from 8:00am.
What special facilities does the school have?
Our facilities include a wildlife garden with science lab and art room, formal gardens, accessible toilets, lift access, and dedicated spaces for creative learning and physical education.
How does the school support special educational needs?
We implement individualised learning plans, specialist resources, and our non-negotiables teaching framework to support pupils with SEN, ensuring accessibility across all curriculum areas and school facilities.
Can I visit the school before applying?
Prospective parents can book appointments on Wednesdays by contacting the school office. Visits include guided tours of our creative learning spaces and opportunities to meet teaching staff.
What is the school's approach to creativity?
We use project-based learning that integrates art, music, and literature to teach curriculum subjects, fostering imagination and engagement through cross-curricular themes and specialist creative spaces.
