Sunnyfields Primary School: A Strong Neighbourhood School with Standout Results

The gates at Hatchcroft have opened onto learning since 1938, when Sunnyfields first served the Hendon community as an infant school. Nearly a century later, the school remains rooted in the Barnet neighbourhood, yet its academic results have lifted it well above typical local provision. At 87% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics by Year 6, and a remarkable 34% achieving greater depth (against an England average of just 8%), Sunnyfields ranks 980th in England for primary performance — placing it in the top 10% of the country's primary schools (FindMySchool ranking). The latest Ofsted inspection (June 2022) rated the school Good, confirming that teaching engages pupils with clear explanations and challenging tasks. For local families within the catchment, Sunnyfields represents excellent value: a state-funded education with considerably above-average outcomes, set in extensive grounds where outdoor learning is genuinely integrated into school life.

The school occupies a sprawling campus with classrooms arranged around courtyards, extensive outdoor space, and a celebrated ecology garden that has won RHS recognition. The diverse pupil community reflects North-West London's cosmopolitan character; approximately 79% of pupils speak a language other than English at home, which has made the school genuinely inclusive and culturally aware. Staff remain stable, and the headteacher, Ms Lisa Meyer, leads a team that knows families personally across the year groups.

Rights Respecting principles sit at the heart of school culture here, with children's voices actively sought in decision-making through the School Council and regular feedback opportunities. The Ofsted report noted that pupils behave well, show positive attitudes towards learning, and engage enthusiastically in the enrichment activities on offer. Teachers are described as engaging pupils with lively, challenging instruction, particularly in literacy. The school intentionally builds what it calls Building Learning Power — developing resilience, resourcefulness and reflectiveness — evident in classroom displays celebrating pupils' learning journeys and effort over outcome.

An Anderson shelter from World War One, preserved in the grounds, becomes a tangible history resource when pupils study the conflict, grounding abstract learning in physical reality.

Key Stage 2 Performance

Sunnyfields achieved 87% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined in the most recent published results — well above the England average of 62%. This represents strong, consistent performance. When broken down by subject, the picture is notably balanced: 88% reached expected standard in reading, 92% in mathematics, and 96% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. All three percentages exceed corresponding England averages.

At the higher standard (scaled scores of 110+ in maths and reading; working at greater depth in writing), the school achieved 34% across reading, writing and mathematics — significantly above the England average of 8%. This indicates that not only are most pupils meeting expectations, but a substantial proportion are accelerating well beyond baseline standards. The reading scaled score of 107, mathematics 109 and grammar/punctuation/spelling 111 (where 100 is the standard) confirm that pupils are demonstrating secure, confident command of fundamentals and developing deeper understanding.

Sunnyfields ranks 980th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool data), placing it within the top 10% nationally and 15th among Barnet's 87 primary schools. Progress measures indicate that pupils make above-average gains between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, particularly in reading and writing, suggesting teachers are identifying starting points accurately and challenging effectively.

The curriculum is subject-based with deliberate cross-curricular connections, covering the full range of areas through discrete specialist teaching in some subjects. Music, Spanish and physical education are identified as particular strengths by inspectors, with investment in these areas visible in both timetable hours and specialist staffing. Spanish begins early in the school journey, exposing pupils to language and cultural concepts from Reception. The Ofsted report highlighted that assessment practices have improved considerably, though assessment remains an area for continued refinement.

Teachers engage pupils with explanations and questioning that draws thinking forward. Support for pupils who need additional help is excellently deployed both inside lessons and through targeted intervention groups. The Early Birds intervention programme, running before school, targets specific skill gaps in mathematics and literacy. Pupils identified as needing extra support make good progress as a result of this systematic, early approach. SEND pupils receive outstanding care and guidance, contributing to positive progress for those with complex needs.

Pupils typically progress to secondary schools across Barnet and beyond. The nearest non-selective secondary is Hendon School (1.1 miles away), which receives most of the school's pupils. Several neighbouring selective secondaries — including Copthall and Hasmonean High School (both 1.4 miles away)—also accept Sunnyfields leavers. The school provides early 11-plus awareness sessions but does not deliver intensive grammar school preparation; families pursue external tutoring if they wish pupils to sit selective entrance exams. Approximately 20% of the cohort typically proceeds to grammar school, a proportion in line with local selective places available.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music carries particular weight at Sunnyfields. Pupils participate in the Sunnyfields Choir, which develops confidence and performs at school events and beyond. In 2020, Year 6 pupils were invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall with English Pocket Opera — a recognition of the school's choral standards. Each year, the school hosts its own Infant Music Festival and participates in the annual Junior Music Festival held at the nearby Arts Depot, showcasing the breadth of musical engagement across age groups.

Individual and small-group instrumental tuition is available in Brass (Trumpet, Tenor Horn, and Trombone), Clarinet and Piano. Pupils are taught in group settings for Brass and Woodwind, with individual Piano lessons offered separately. The school actively encourages pupils to take music medals and examination grades, fostering a sense of progression and achievement in the discipline.

Ecology & Environmental Learning

The Ecology Garden is a standout feature, meriting recognition from the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and earning Sunnyfields accreditation as a Growing Schools site. The school was the second in England and fourth across the UK to achieve this honour, placing it in a network alongside RHS Gardens and the Eden Project. The Gardening Club meets after school, offering hands-on cultivation and ecological discovery. Pupils studying the Second World War visit the preserved Anderson shelter in the WW1 garden, connecting history learning to physical space. Forest School sessions challenge small groups to work together on tasks such as shelter-building, developing teamwork and resilience in natural settings. Across the curriculum, outdoor learning is woven through science, geography, and PSHE lessons, not confined to discrete sessions.

Extracurricular Clubs & Activities

The school runs a generous programme of after-school clubs, most costing £5 per session. Breakfast Club operates daily from 8:00am, offering toast, cereals, eggs, fruit and hot or cold drinks, allowing families to drop children at 8:10am without concern about morning routines. Early Birds sessions run parallel, targeting mathematical and literacy support for pupils requiring consolidation. The Wraparound Club extends the school day until 4:30pm, 5:30pm or 6:00pm depending on family need, providing childcare for Years 1-6 (Reception considered case-by-case).

Beyond school hours, clubs spanning different interests run Monday to Friday. The Gardening Club is particularly active, as noted above. During inspections, pupils were observed to enjoy a "good range of enrichment activities such as clubs and visits," suggesting strong provision across academic interests and hobbies.

Sport & Physical Wellbeing

Physical education is a strength identified by Ofsted. The school values competitive fixtures and has invested in sport premium funding to enhance provision, particularly in enabling wider participation. Football, netball, and potentially other sports feature in the curriculum and after-school offer. The school hosts and participates in leagues and competitions, with leagues and competitions documented on the school website.

Sunnyfields is significantly oversubscribed, with 184 applications for just 30 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle — a ratio of 6.13:1. This is among the ten most oversubscribed primary schools in Barnet by first-preference applications. Admission is non-selective and coordinated through Barnet's local authority; families apply through the standard local authority portal. After looked-after children, siblings, and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) naming the school, places are allocated by straight-line distance from home to school gate. No formal catchment boundary is published; distance is the tiebreaker. Families should verify proximity to the school before assuming a place is likely. Wraparound care is available from 8:00am onwards and after school until 6:00pm, supporting working families.

The school includes a Nursery serving children from age 3, operating on a sessional basis (five three-hour sessions per week, totalling 15 hours). Additional hours beyond the government-funded entitlement may be available on request. Nursery pupils do not automatically progress to Reception; progression operates through the standard admissions criteria. For current Nursery fees and to discuss extended hours, parents should contact the school directly or visit the Nursery page on the school website.

Form tutors maintain small tutor groups of 6-8 pupils, ensuring consistent relationships and oversight. The school operates a clear behaviour policy anchored to the school's values of building learning power. A trained counsellor visits the school weekly, available for pupils needing emotional support beyond classroom systems. The Ofsted report notes that pupils are comfortable with their learning environment and that teachers handle behaviour well through consistent expectations.

Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities benefit from "outstanding care, guidance and support," according to the latest inspection, resulting in good progress for those with complex needs. The SENCO leads assessment and provision planning with clarity and commitment.

The school day runs 8:45am to 3:15pm for Reception through Year 6. Breakfast Club begins at 8:00am; the Wraparound Club extends care until 6:00pm. School meals are provided daily. The school uniform is required and is described on the school website with full details of colours and items. Hendon is well served by public transport; the school is approximately 1.1 miles from Hendon School and sits within easy reach of several bus routes serving North-West London.

Oversubscription intensity. With a 6:1 ratio of applications to places, entry is highly competitive. Families must live very close to the school to have a realistic prospect of a place. The admissions process is distance-based after priority categories, and distance varies annually depending on the applicant distribution. Families interested in Sunnyfields should verify their current proximity and prepare for potential non-admission.

Mathematics pace. The Ofsted report noted that teaching in mathematics is occasionally satisfactory rather than consistently strong, with slower progress in some cohorts. While the KS2 results are strong overall, families with pupils who find mathematics particularly challenging should discuss individual support with the school.

Nursery to Reception transition. Nursery places do not guarantee Reception entry; parents must apply through the standard local authority admissions process. Families with children in the Nursery should plan accordingly and treat Nursery as early years provision rather than a guaranteed pathway to the main school.

Diverse but balanced community. With 79% of pupils speaking another language at home, the school is significantly multilingual. This enriches experience for all pupils but requires families to accept that English may not be the lingua franca at pickup and drop-off. The school is genuinely inclusive; acceptance of this community context is important.

Sunnyfields delivers excellent primary education, with academic results placing it in the top 10% of England's schools. The combination of strong teaching in literacy, exceptional higher-standard attainment, and broad enrichment — particularly in music and ecology — makes it an attractive choice for the catchment. The school is inclusive, warm, and rooted in real community relationships. Best suited to families living within the tight admissions boundary who value a state school with above-average results, outdoor learning, and a diverse pupil base. The principal challenge is securing a place; local proximity is essential, and admission should never be assumed without checking distance data.