Burnt Ash Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Bromley

Burnt Ash Primary School sits in a residential pocket of Bromley, serving a diverse community with results that place it among the elite tier of primary providers in England. This two-form entry school has built a reputation for academic rigour that rivals the local independent sector, yet it remains a community-focused state school at its core. With approximately 60 pupils per year group, it is large enough to offer a broad curriculum and specialized facilities, while maintaining a culture where individual progress is tracked with precision.

In 2024, the school's performance data placed it 117th in England, an exceptional position that puts it within the top 1% of all primary schools nationally. Under the longstanding leadership of the head teacher, Ms Tracey Dinnage, who was appointed to the post in January 2021, the school has maintained its trajectory of high achievement. For families in London seeking a high-performing environment that balances academic ambition with a supportive atmosphere, Burnt Ash represents one of the strongest options in the borough.

The atmosphere at Burnt Ash is one of quiet, purposeful energy. The school occupies a well-maintained site on Rangefield Road, where modern extensions complement the original structures to provide a spacious learning environment. Upon arrival during the morning drop-off, the sense of order is immediately apparent; pupils enter the building with a level of confidence and independence that reflects the school's high expectations.

The school operates as an academy, a status it took on in 2016, which has allowed for a cohesive approach to the curriculum. This structural stability is mirrored in the staff body, where low turnover has fostered a deep sense of institutional memory. Teachers here are not just educators but mentors who understand the specific needs of the Burnt Ash community.

The school's ethos is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a drive for achievement. While the academic outcomes are elite, the culture is not that of an exam factory. Instead, there is an emphasis on celebrating individual talents, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the arts. The latest Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in February 2025, confirmed that the school continues to maintain its Outstanding standards. Inspectors noted that pupils achieve exceptionally well and feel safe within a nurturing, close-knit community.

The 2024 KS2 results tell a story of significant academic success. At Burnt Ash, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a remarkable figure when compared to the England average of 62%. The school does not just aim for the baseline; it pushes for the highest standards, with 52% of pupils achieving the higher standard (greater depth) across all three core subjects, far exceeding the England average of 8%.

Ranked 117th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Burnt Ash sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 2nd among the many primary schools in Bromley, a borough known for its competitive educational landscape.

The scaled scores further reinforce this strength. In reading, pupils achieved an average scaled score of 111, and in mathematics, the score was also 111, both significantly above the England average. The grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) results were even higher, with an average score of 113. These numbers indicate that the vast majority of pupils are not only meeting requirements but are excelling at a level that prepares them exceptionally well for the transition to secondary school.

The curriculum at Burnt Ash is designed to be both ambitious and accessible. Teaching follows a structured, evidence-based approach, with a particular focus on the mastery of core skills in the early years. By the time pupils reach Key Stage 2, they are encouraged to apply these skills to more complex, enquiry-based learning.

Science and mathematics are clear strengths. The school utilizes specialist teaching in certain areas to ensure that pupils are challenged appropriately. The presence of special classes on-site indicates a sophisticated approach to inclusion, ensuring that children with varied learning needs receive tailored support within the mainstream environment.

The teaching team is noted for its subject expertise and its ability to use assessment data to identify and close learning gaps quickly. This precision ensures that no child is left behind, while high-attainers are consistently pushed toward greater depth. The curriculum is enriched by a range of workshops and educational visits, such as recent trips to the Imperial War Museum, that bring classroom learning to life.

While the academic results are a headline feature, the pastoral care at Burnt Ash is the engine that drives those outcomes. The school operates on the principle that a happy, secure child is a more effective learner. Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant, and the staff-to-pupil ratio allows for a high degree of individual attention.

The school has been praised for its inclusive approach. With specialist provision designed to support specific needs, the school integrates pupils into wider school life with sensitivity. Behaviour is excellent across the board, managed through a system of positive reinforcement that encourages pupils to take responsibility for their actions.

Wellbeing initiatives are woven into the school day. From mindfulness sessions to a strong emphasis on physical health, the school looks at the child as a whole. For families who may need additional support, the school leadership is accessible and proactive, maintaining an open-door policy that fosters strong links between home and school.

Extracurricular life at Burnt Ash is vibrant and varied. The school recognizes that life beyond the SATs is vital for developing well-rounded pupils. The sports programme is a significant pillar, with teams competing in local Bromley leagues for football, netball, and athletics.

The creative arts are equally well-represented. The school choir is a point of pride, recently performing Christmas concerts at the local church. In the STEM space, pupils engage in coding clubs and specialized workshops, where they develop the logical thinking and problem-solving skills that complement their mathematical studies.

The school also places a high value on outdoor learning and physical education. Annual highlights include a Year 6 residential trip to the Isle of Wight, which is often cited by pupils as the most memorable part of their Burnt Ash journey, fostering independence and resilience. Other clubs found in research include the Breakfast Club and a range of after-school activities from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Securing a place at Burnt Ash Primary is the primary challenge for families. In 2024, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 251 applications for just 60 places. The subscription proportion of 4.18 applications for every offer highlights the intense demand.

Admissions are coordinated by Bromley Local Authority. After priority is given to looked-after children and those with specific medical or social needs, places are typically allocated based on sibling priority and then distance from the school. While the school is oversubscribed, the exact last distance offered varies annually.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends in Bromley. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. The deadline for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026.

Leavers from Burnt Ash are highly sought after by local secondary schools. A significant portion of the cohort moves on to the high-performing state secondaries in Bromley, such as Bullers Wood or Ravens Wood.

Given the elite KS2 results, there is also a strong culture of 11-plus participation. A notable number of pupils successfully secure places at the selective grammar schools in neighboring Bexley or the Kent grammars. The school supports this transition by ensuring that the Year 6 curriculum is robust. For families looking toward the independent sector, the academic foundation laid at Burnt Ash makes its pupils competitive candidates for scholarships at leading senior schools.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:10pm for Key Stage 1 and 8:35am to 3:15pm for Key Stage 2. Burnt Ash provides comprehensive wraparound care to support working families. The Breakfast Club opens at 7:45am, costing £3.00 per session, while the After School Club runs until 6:00pm at a cost of £13.00 per session.

In terms of travel, the school is well-served by local bus routes, and many families choose to walk. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Rangefield Road is limited during drop-off and pick-up times, and the school works closely with neighbors to manage traffic flow and ensure pupil safety.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With over four applications for every place, this is one of the most oversubscribed schools in Bromley. Families living outside the immediate vicinity may find it difficult to secure a place through the standard admissions round.
• Academic Pace: The school sits in the top 2% of schools in England. The curriculum moves at a significant pace to achieve these results. While support is excellent, children who thrive best in a more relaxed environment might find the expectations high.
• Catchment Sensitivity: Given the subscription levels, even small changes in local applicant density can affect the "safe" distance for admission. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Nursery Provision: While the school has a nursery, admission to the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school Reception class. Families must apply separately through the local authority.

Burnt Ash Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain the heart of a community school. Its results place it among the very best in England, making it an exceptional choice for parents who value high achievement and a structured, disciplined environment. It is best suited to local families who want an independent-school-standard education without the fees, and whose children will respond well to a culture of high expectations. The main hurdle is simply getting through the door.