The present state of English primary education is depicted in this overview and possible future trends affecting primary schools are indicated. Primary schools in England and Wales are normally those with pupils between 5 to 11 years of age. The term Primary Schools encompasses Infant Schools (for children ages 5 to 7); Junior Schools (ages 7 to 11); First Schools (usually ages 5 to 8); and, in some cases, Middle Schools (usually ages 8 to 13). Numbering around 23,000, the English primary schools are co-educational, free and attended by over 95% of the nation's 4 million plus children. The paper first presents general background information concerning advisory/inspectorate bodies for policy and practice; physical plant, equipment and materials; teacher education and training; and primary school ideologies. Current trends and issues discussed include (1) the general organization within the primary school, (2) declining enrollment and changing school organization, (3) curriculum organization and teaching style, (4) curriculum content, and (5) accountability and assessment. Recent key publications in education are identified and emphasized in order to discern possible future trends. Reports explored include the following: "Primary Education in England" (1978); "Assessment - The American Experience" (1978); "Local Authority Arrangements for the School Curriculum" (1978); and "Inside the Primary Classroom" (1980). In conclusion, 10 predictions for English primary education in the 1980s are briefly stated. A bibliography including selected recent and ongoing research is provided as well as two appendices that provide notes on the primary education report and chart trends in the school population. (Author/RH)