Preston Manor School Review 2026: An Ambitious All-Through Community Hub

In the heart of Wembley, Preston Manor School stands as a significant all-through institution serving a vibrant and diverse London community. It is a school of considerable scale, with a capacity for nearly 2,000 students across its primary, secondary, and sixth form phases. While many all-through schools are recent creations, Preston Manor has successfully integrated its phases to provide a continuous educational journey from age 4 to 19.

The school's status as a Good school was reaffirmed by a January 2024 Ofsted inspection. Inspectors noted that the school continues to maintain high standards, with evidence suggesting it might even reach an outstanding grade if a full graded inspection were carried out. Academically, the school performs solidly, particularly in the primary phase where results sit well above the England average. The secondary and sixth form phases continue this trend of reliable progress, ensuring students are well prepared for the next stages of their lives, whether that involves university, employment, or further training.

The atmosphere at Preston Manor is one of purposeful activity and mutual respect. Serving a multi-ethnic community, the school embraces its diversity as a core strength. The environment is inclusive, and there is a palpable sense of community that spans the different age groups. Younger pupils in the lower school benefit from the presence of older role models, while sixth form students often take on leadership responsibilities that foster a sense of service.

Mr Stuart Lindsell has led the school as Executive Headteacher since 2023, having previously served as Head of the Upper School. His leadership is characterised by a focus on high expectations and a commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to succeed. This stability in leadership has helped maintain a clear sense of direction during the school's ongoing development.

Physical space is managed effectively across the site. The school has invested in modernising its facilities to meet the needs of an all-through population, ensuring that primary pupils have dedicated spaces that feel secure, while older students have access to the specialist laboratories and workshops required for advanced study.

The primary phase at Preston Manor is a significant academic highlight. In the most recent measurement period, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a strong performance, notably exceeding the England average of 62%. Even more impressive is the proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard; 24% reached this level at Preston Manor, compared to the England average of just 8%.

The school ranks 23rd among 68 primary schools in Brent, placing it in the top 25% of schools in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

At GCSE level, the school maintains a solid national position. The Progress 8 score of +0.25 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points at age 11. The school ranks 12th in Brent for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which places its performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The sixth form provides a stable platform for post-16 study. While A-level rankings sit within the national middle ground, students consistently secure the grades necessary for their chosen pathways. In 2024, over 37% of A-level entries achieved A* to B grades. The school ranks 10th in Brent for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), reflecting a solid performance in a competitive local context.

Teaching at Preston Manor is designed to support a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. In the primary phase, the focus is on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with a curriculum that is both broad and engaging. Specialist teaching is introduced early where appropriate, ensuring pupils are ready for the transition to secondary education.

In the secondary phase, the curriculum becomes increasingly specialised. The school offers a traditional range of GCSE subjects, with a particular emphasis on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite. Approximately 21% of pupils achieve Grade 5 or above in the EBacc, supported by an Average Point Score (APS) of 4.31, which is above the England average of 4.08.

The sixth form offers an expansive range of A-level and vocational subjects. Teaching is focused on developing the independent study skills required for higher education. Small group sizes in many A-level sets allow for detailed discussion and personalised feedback from subject specialists.

Destinations for Preston Manor students reflect the school's aspirational culture. For 2024 leavers, 73% progressed to university, a significant figure that highlights the school's success in preparing students for higher education. Employment also remains a viable and supported route, with 13% of the cohort entering the workforce directly after their studies.

The school maintains a steady pipeline to competitive universities. In the most recent data period, ten students submitted applications to Oxford and Cambridge, with one student successfully securing a place. This elite pathway is supported by dedicated mentoring and application workshops. While the school does not publish specific Russell Group percentages, the high overall university progression rate suggests a wide range of students secure places at well-regarded institutions across London and the UK.

For primary pupils, the vast majority transition seamlessly into the secondary phase of the school, benefiting from the familiarity of the campus and staff.

Admissions to Preston Manor are coordinated by Brent Local Authority. As an all-through school, there are two primary entry points: Reception and Year 7.

The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity with local families. For Reception entry, the school received 135 applications for 38 available offers in 2024, a subscription proportion of 3.55. For Year 7 entry, there were 492 applications for 192 offers, a ratio of 2.56.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 2.441 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should note that the school has specific criteria for siblings and those with medical or social needs, which are prioritised before distance-based allocations.

Pastoral care is a visible priority across all phases of the school. In the primary phase, class teachers and teaching assistants provide the first line of support, fostering a nurturing environment. As students move into the secondary phase, they are supported by a house system and dedicated heads of year who monitor both academic progress and personal wellbeing.

The school is well equipped to support students with additional needs. The boolean data indicates the presence of special classes, suggesting a structured approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Inclusion is a central theme, and the school works closely with external agencies to provide specialist support when required.

Behaviour is managed through a clear framework of rewards and sanctions. The school emphasises personal responsibility and respect for others, contributing to a calm and productive learning environment.

The extracurricular life at Preston Manor is varied, reflecting the diverse interests of its student body. The school offers a wide range of clubs and societies that run before and after the formal school day.

STEM Excellence

The school has a notable focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Students have access to well-equipped laboratories and technology suites where they can engage in practical projects. Coding clubs and mathematics challenges are regular features of the school calendar, encouraging students to apply their classroom learning to real-world problems. Recent trips have included a Black Heritage and STEM Engineering field trip, highlighting the school's effort to combine inclusion with academic exploration.

Sports also play a significant role in school life. Preston Manor utilises its extensive grounds for a variety of team sports, including football, cricket, and athletics. The school competes regularly against other local institutions in Brent and across Greater London. Creative pursuits are equally supported through a range of music ensembles and drama productions that provide students with opportunities to perform and develop their artistic talents.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Preston Manor School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils and students from Reception through to the Sixth Form.

Families may be required to cover incidental costs such as school uniforms, optional trips, and personal equipment. For students in the Sixth Form, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available to help those from low-income backgrounds with the costs of staying in education, such as books, transport, and equipment. Applications for this financial support are made directly to the school.

The Lower School offers a breakfast club starting at 8:00am for a daily charge of £2, which includes healthy cereals, fruit, and toast. After-school wraparound care is provided by Kiddie Care, an external provider operating on the school premises, offering sessions until the early evening. After-school enrichment clubs typically run from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Transport links are excellent. The school is located within walking distance of Preston Road station (Metropolitan Line) and North Wembley station (Bakerloo Line and London Overground), making it easily accessible for students and staff from across Brent and beyond. Several local bus routes also serve the immediate area.

• Significant Oversubscription: With 3.55 applications per place for Reception and 2.56 for Year 7, competition is intense. Families living beyond the immediate proximity should have realistic backup options. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Large-Scale Environment: With a capacity of nearly 2,000 students, the school is large. While the phases are managed effectively, students who thrive in smaller settings may find the scale of Preston Manor overwhelming.
• Sixth Form Progression: While 73% go to university, the A-level grade profile (37% A* to B) sits in the national lower-middle tier. Students aiming for the most competitive degrees will need to show high levels of independent initiative.

Preston Manor School is a highly effective all-through community school that delivers consistent academic results and a supportive environment. Its primary phase is particularly strong, outperforming national averages significantly. The school is best suited to local families who value the continuity of an all-through education and a diverse, inclusive atmosphere. The primary challenge remains securing a place at this popular and oversubscribed institution.