History

Lansbury Lawrence Primary School was built for the 'Live Architecture' exhibition in the Festival of Britain, 1951. It was designed by the architects, Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall.

The school is part of the Lansbury Estate, named after the politician, George Lansbury. The main school was originally named Susan Lawrence, who was one of the earliest female MPs. Of all the buildings in the Lansbury Exhibition, the Susan Lawrence School was the most admired at the time. 'It seems to have passed its searching test with dazzling success', wrote Building in July 1951, 'It has urbanity, it has an elegant unity of planning, it is something new in London's East End.'

The nursery school was named Elizabeth Lansbury, who was George Lansbury's wife. The Elizabeth Lansbury School was the first post-war nursery school in London, and perhaps nationally.

In 2022, Lansbury Lawrence was awarded a Heritage Schools Award from Historic England in recognition of teaching and learning within local heritage.

Opening our school as part of Open House has become an annual celebration of our school and heritage, where we welcome visitors from our community and further afield.

Building

Lansbury Lawrence is a Grade II listed building.

In the entrance hall there is an impressive flyover staircase and throughout the building there are interesting original features that continue to inspire pupils today.

Lansbury Lawrence was shortlisted for the TES Creative School of the Year, 2021. In 2023, the school was shortlisted for the Pearson National Teaching Awards, Primary School of the Year - Making a Difference, and the TES Excellence in Creative Arts Award.

Peggy Angus

Peggy Angus (1904-1993) was a painter, designer and teacher. Lansbury Lawrence is home to several Angus tiled murals.

Tile panels in the entrance hall, dining hall and nursery playrooms are an original and much admired part of the building composition.