Ealing School Catchment Areas and Top Schools

Why school catchments matter in Ealing

Ealing, a vibrant West London borough, is popular with families seeking high-quality state education, green spaces, and convenient transport links. Understanding local school catchment areas is essential for parents who want to secure places at well-regarded primary and secondary schools. Being in-catchment can significantly improve admission chances, particularly at oversubscribed schools.

Catchment areas also influence property decisions. Postcodes such as W5, W13, and UB6 are highly sought after because they provide access to top-performing schools. Families who understand catchment boundaries can make informed property choices, ensuring their children attend schools that meet their educational needs while avoiding oversubscription issues.

Beyond education, catchments affect community life. Areas with strong schools often feature parks, libraries, sports facilities, and vibrant local amenities. Knowing Ealing catchments helps families plan both educational outcomes and lifestyle considerations within the borough.

How do school catchment areas work in Ealing?

The London Borough of Ealing defines catchment areas for state-funded schools. Boundaries determine admission priority, although being in-catchment does not guarantee a place. Oversubscription criteria, including sibling attendance, special educational needs, or faith-based considerations, may also influence allocation.

Primary and secondary school catchments are different, so families with children at multiple stages should check each relevant map. Postcodes W5, W13, and UB6 are particularly high-demand, making early research crucial for securing a place in preferred schools.

Are school catchment areas in Ealing measured as the crow flies?

Many Ealing schools use straight-line distances for admission priority. This simple measurement does not always reflect practical walking or driving routes. Families on the edges of catchments, such as in Hanwell (W7) or Perivale (UB6), should verify actual access to avoid commuting issues.

Popular Ealing postcodes for strong school access

Certain postcodes provide access to multiple well-regarded schools. Awareness of these areas helps families make informed property and educational decisions.

• W5 – Ealing town centre and surrounding areas. Schools include Montpelier Primary, Little Ealing Primary, and Walpole Secondary School. W5 offers excellent transport links, local shops, and green spaces.
• W13 – West Ealing and Northfields. Schools include Little Ealing Primary, North Ealing Primary, and Elthorne Park High School. W13 combines strong educational options with parks and community facilities.
• UB6 – Perivale and Northolt. Schools include Perivale Primary, Northolt High, and Ravenor Primary. UB6 offers suburban living with good transport and community amenities.
• W7 – Hanwell and Brentham. Schools include Brentham Primary, St. Joseph’s Primary, and Elthorne Park High School. W7 is known for family-friendly streets and local parks.

Top secondary schools in Ealing

Secondary schools in Ealing are in high demand. Parents should assess academic performance, enrichment opportunities, pastoral care, and school reputation. Early planning increases the likelihood of securing places at high-performing schools.

• Elthorne Park High School (W13/W7) – Offers strong academics, enrichment activities, and pastoral support. Focuses on holistic education and community engagement.
• Walpole Secondary School (W5) – Known for academic achievement, extracurricular opportunities, and student wellbeing. Offers sports, arts, and STEM enrichment.
• Northolt High School (UB6) – Provides personalised support, strong academic outcomes, and broad extracurricular programmes. Emphasises student development and leadership.
• Brentham Primary feeder to secondary schools (W7) – Offers strong academic foundation, pastoral support, and enrichment for transition to secondary education.

Well-regarded primary schools in Ealing

Primary schools in Ealing are highly competitive, especially in W5, W13, and UB6. Parents should consider teaching quality, pastoral support, and school reputation. Early applications improve the likelihood of securing places at popular schools.

• Montpelier Primary (W5) – Offers strong academic foundations, creative opportunities, and a nurturing environment. Includes music, arts, and sports activities.
• Little Ealing Primary (W5/W13) – Recognised for high teaching quality, pastoral care, and enrichment programmes including outdoor learning and creative activities.
• Brentham Primary (W7) – Focuses on academic achievement, wellbeing, and community engagement. Provides extracurricular clubs and enrichment opportunities.
• Perivale Primary (UB6) – Combines academic support with pastoral care and family engagement. Encourages sports, arts, and creativity.
• St. Joseph’s Primary (W7) – Provides balanced curriculum, pastoral care, and active community involvement. Supports arts, music, and physical development.

How to check your Ealing school catchment area

Ealing Council provides an online catchment tool. Enter your postcode to see in-catchment primary and secondary schools. Schools’ websites provide maps and admission criteria. Checking early ensures parents target preferred schools and avoid oversubscription issues.

Can my child go to an Ealing school outside our catchment?

Applications outside your home catchment are allowed, but in-catchment children are prioritised. Oversubscribed schools may consider siblings, special educational needs, or proximity. Backup options are recommended.

Can school catchment areas change in Ealing?

Catchment boundaries may change due to housing developments, school expansions, or population shifts. Families should monitor council updates regularly. Properties in preferred catchments today may fall outside tomorrow, affecting admissions and property planning.

Impact of catchment areas on property and community in Ealing

School catchments influence property demand and community life. Areas within strong catchments often have higher property values and faster sales. Postcodes W5, W13, and UB6 are particularly desirable. Strong catchments foster community engagement, access to parks, local shops, and family-friendly amenities.

Moving tips for families in Ealing

• Check council admissions policies and catchment boundaries before buying or renting.
• Consider both primary and secondary catchments for multiple children.
• Research local amenities, transport links, parks, and community services.
• Have backup school options in case preferred schools are oversubscribed.
• Engage with schools early to understand enrolment deadlines and requirements.
• Monitor potential catchment changes due to housing developments.
• Plan for long-term educational needs, especially for siblings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What school catchment am I in for Ealing?

Use the Ealing council online tool to enter your postcode. This shows all in-catchment primary and secondary schools. Verify with school admission policies.

Which secondary school catchment am I in?

Secondary catchments vary by postcode. W5 residents are typically in-catchment for Walpole Secondary School, W13 for Elthorne Park High School, and UB6 for Northolt High School. Check council maps to confirm.

Are there grammar schools without a catchment in Ealing?

Elthorne Park and Walpole Secondary are comprehensive; selective grammar schools are not state-funded in Ealing. Independent schools may operate without catchments but are fee-paying.

How big is a school catchment area in Ealing?

Catchment sizes vary from a few streets in W5 to several miles in UB6. Consult council maps for precise boundaries.