East Lane Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Wembley

East Lane Primary School stands as a powerhouse of academic achievement in North West London. Since opening its doors in 2017 to meet the growing demand for primary places in Wembley, it has rapidly established itself as one of the highest performing schools in the country. The school currently ranks 127th in England for primary outcomes, placing it in the elite tier representing the top 2% of schools in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). For local families, it is a significant academic asset, ranking 2nd among all primary schools in Brent. With 840 places at full capacity, it is a large, vibrant three form entry school that manages to maintain a rigorous focus on individual pupil progress despite its scale.

The school occupies a contemporary, purpose built site that reflects its modern origins. The architecture is clean and functional, designed to facilitate a structured learning environment. Unlike older Victorian school buildings common in London, East Lane offers wide, bright corridors and climate controlled classrooms that provide a calm backdrop for a busy school day.

The atmosphere is noticeably purposeful. There is a sense of high expectation that permeates the building, yet this is balanced by a strong sense of community. Mrs Beth Ragheb took over the leadership of the school in January 2026, succeeding the founding headship. The school operates as part of the Wembley Multi Academy Trust, benefiting from close links with Wembley High Technology College. This partnership influences the school's identity, bringing a secondary style rigour to the primary phase, particularly in how data is used to ensure no child falls behind.

The 2024 KS2 results are extraordinary, outstripping local and England averages by a significant margin. A remarkable 98% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, nearly 40% above the England average of 62%.

The depth of achievement is equally impressive. At the higher standard, 55% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three core subjects, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 8%. In mathematics, the average scaled score reached 111 (England average: 104), while grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) scores were among the highest in the borough at 113. These metrics confirm that the school is not merely meeting targets but is consistently pushing pupils toward the highest levels of academic proficiency.

The latest Ofsted inspection in February 2025 confirmed that the school continues to maintain its outstanding standards. Inspectors described the education students receive as exceptional and highlighted that pupils relish each and every learning opportunity.

The curriculum is unapologetically academic and highly structured. There is a heavy emphasis on the mastery of core skills in English and mathematics from an early age. Teachers use direct instructional methods, ensuring that foundational knowledge is secure before moving on to more complex concepts. This approach is supported by frequent, low-stakes assessment that allows staff to identify and close gaps in understanding immediately.

Specialist teaching is a hallmark of the school, particularly from Year 2 upwards. Subject specialist teachers of the highest calibre are recruited to deliver high standards across the curriculum. This focus is reflected in the school's exceptional science scores, with 99% of pupils reaching the expected standard in 2024, compared to the England average of 82%.

Given its location and trust status, a significant number of pupils progress to Wembley High Technology College or North Brent School, both of which are part of the Wembley Multi Academy Trust and share the school's high achieving ethos. The school provides comprehensive support for the transition to secondary education, ensuring that the academic momentum built during Key Stage 2 is maintained. For those seeking selective options, the school’s strong results provide a solid foundation for 11 plus applications to local grammar schools, though the school itself remains a non selective community provider.

Securing a place at East Lane is a considerable challenge for families. In September 2024, the school received over 400 applications for just 90 Reception places, making it heavily oversubscribed. However, for 2026 entry, the Trust has increased the Pupil Admission Number (PAN) to 120 places to help meet local demand.

The last distance offered in 2024 was 2.916 miles, which is unusually generous for a top tier London school, though this can vary significantly year on year. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates against current trends.

While the academic pace is fast, the school maintains a robust pastoral system. The latest Ofsted findings praised the exemplary behaviour and superb manners of the pupils. There is a clear, consistent behaviour policy that pupils understand and respect, creating a safe environment for learning. The use of worry boxes allows pupils to share concerns, ensuring they feel safe and are kept safe. The school works closely with families to support children with Special Educational Needs (SEND), ensuring that they benefit from the same rich and ambitious curriculum as their peers.

The extracurricular offer is designed to complement the academic day. Pupils have access to a variety of clubs including London Athletics FC, which offers an extended day programme. Other opportunities include a school choir, instrument lessons, and various house competitions between Pegasus, Phoenix, Orion, and Aries. Pupil leadership is a real strength, with roles such as house captains, eco warriors, and peer readers allowing children to thrive on responsibility.

STEM: Excellence in Innovation

STEM is a major pillar of life at East Lane. The school’s connection to Wembley High Technology College provides a clear pathway into technical and scientific subjects. The recruitment of subject specialists ensures that science and mathematics are taught with deep expertise. This focus is reflected in the school's exceptional science scores, which are among the best in the borough.

The school day officially begins at 7:50am and ends at 2:30pm. To support working parents, London Athletics FC provides wraparound care from 2:30pm until 5:00pm on site, offering activities ranging from sports to arts and crafts. Breakfast provision is also available to ensure pupils have a nutritious start to the day. The site is well served by local transport, with North Wembley station (Bakerloo and Overground) and Wembley Central within walking distance.

Fees & Financial Aid

As East Lane Primary School is a state funded academy, there are no tuition fees. The school is free to attend for all pupils. Costs for optional extras such as the London Athletics FC after school club are kept competitive, with sessions starting from approximately £7 per hour. Parents may also need to budget for the school uniform, which is mandatory and contributes to the school's purposeful atmosphere.

• Academic Intensity: The school has a very high achieving culture. While this produces exceptional results, the pace and volume of work may feel demanding for some children. Families should ensure they are comfortable with a structured, data driven approach to education.
• Oversubscription: Despite the increase in places to 120 for 2026, the school remains one of the most popular in Brent. Entry is fiercely competitive, and families should have a robust Plan B in place.
• Leadership Transition: With a new Headteacher appointed in early 2026, the school is entering a new chapter. While the Trust provides strong continuity, parents may wish to meet the new leadership during open events to understand their specific vision for the school's next phase.

East Lane Primary School is an academic engine that consistently delivers some of the best results in London. It is a school that suits families who value academic rigour, discipline, and a clear path to high performing secondary education. For those within the catchment area, it offers an education that rivals the independent sector without the associated fees. Best suited to academically ambitious pupils who thrive in a structured environment. The main hurdle remains the high volume of applications; families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist and track admission deadlines.