Harris Primary Academy Shortlands Review 2026: Exceptional Academic Standards in the Heart of Bromley

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands represents a modern success story within the London Borough of Bromley. Since opening its doors in 2014, the academy has established itself as one of the most sought-after primary providers in the region, currently ranking 5th among all primary schools in Bromley. The school operates as a two-form entry academy, welcoming 60 pupils per year group into a purpose-built environment that balances high academic expectations with a supportive community feel.

The academy is part of the Harris Federation, a multi-academy trust with a significant track record for educational transformation in London. This connection provides the school with extensive resources and a clear, structured approach to teaching that has yielded impressive results. In 2024, the school's Key Stage 2 outcomes placed it within the top 10% of schools in England, a position that reflects the consistency of its teaching and the dedication of its staff.

The atmosphere at Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is purposeful and calm. At drop-off, the gates reveal a school that is organised and welcoming, where pupils arrive ready to engage with a fast-paced and ambitious curriculum. The physical environment is contemporary, featuring bright classrooms and specialized spaces for art, music, and physical education that support a broad educational experience.

The current Principal, Mr Jordan Hollis, has been in post since September 2022 and brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles across the Harris Federation. Under his direction, the school maintains a focus on high expectations and innovation. The latest inspection findings confirm the school's Outstanding status, highlighting a culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. There is a palpable sense of momentum here, driven by a leadership team that is never content to stand still and a parent body that is highly engaged with the school's mission.

The 2024 academic results tell a compelling story of high achievement. At Key Stage 2, 90.3% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a remarkable figure when compared to the England average of 62%.

Performance at the higher standard is equally impressive; 36.7% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, significantly outperforming the England average of 8%. The average scaled scores of 108 in reading and 109 in mathematics further confirm that the academy’s pupils are performing well above their peers nationally.

According to the proprietary FindMySchool rankings, Harris Primary Academy Shortlands ranks 921st in England and 5th in Bromley for primary outcomes. This places the academy in the elite tier, placing it in the top tier of schools in England.

Teaching follows a rigorous and well-structured framework, characterized by high levels of subject expertise among staff. Lessons are designed to challenge pupils while providing the necessary scaffolding to ensure no child is left behind. The curriculum is broad, with a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy skills, supplemented by specialist teaching in music and physical education.

The academy uses data effectively to track pupil progress, allowing for timely interventions where needed. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the focus is on developing strong communication skills and a curiosity about the world, providing a solid foundation for the more formal learning that begins in Year 1. Pupils are encouraged to become independent learners, often taking the lead in explaining their reasoning during mathematics lessons or critiquing their own writing.

Transition to secondary school is a key focus during the final years at the academy. While there is no formal catchment secondary, many pupils progress to highly-regarded local schools within Bromley and the surrounding areas. The academy’s strong academic profile means that a significant number of pupils are well-prepared for the 11-plus examinations, with many securing places at local grammar schools or prestigious independent seniors.

The school provides a robust transition programme that includes workshops for parents and visits to local secondary schools. This ensures that pupils move on to the next stage of their education with confidence and the academic toolkit required to thrive in a secondary environment.

Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Bromley. Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is significantly oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 249 applications for just 60 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 4.15 applications for every offer made.

Places are allocated according to the academy’s admissions policy, which prioritizes looked-after children, siblings, and those living closest to the school. Parents should note that first preference applications are highly prioritised. For families seeking 2026 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils. Families may need to account for costs related to school uniforms, optional extracurricular trips, and some elective music lessons. Support may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

The wellbeing of pupils is central to the academy's operation. Pastoral care is excellent, with a clear structure of support that ensures every child is known as an individual. Class teachers take primary responsibility for the emotional welfare of their pupils, supported by a dedicated inclusion team.

The school's approach to behaviour management is positive and consistent, creating a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable taking risks in their learning. Anti-bullying initiatives are proactive, and the school works closely with families to address any concerns early. There is also a strong emphasis on mental health, with specialized support available for those who need it.

Extracurricular life at the academy is vibrant, offering pupils opportunities to develop interests outside the core curriculum. The academy provides a range of clubs, including the Harris Choir, Coding Club, and various sports teams that compete in local Bromley leagues.

STEM: Innovation and Logic

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a particular strength. The academy utilizes modern technology to enhance learning, with pupils regularly using tablets and specialized software to support their studies. Innovation is championed at the highest level, with the Principal leading the computing curriculum to ensure pupils are prepared for a digital future.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. For families requiring extended care, the academy offers a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am and an After School Club that runs until 6:00pm. Both are held on-site and offer a variety of structured activities.

The school is located on Kingswood Road in Shortlands, within walking distance of Shortlands railway station, which provides good links for commuting parents. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited, and the school actively encourages active travel such as walking or cycling.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With over four applications for every available seat, securing a place is a significant challenge. Families living outside the immediate vicinity should have a clear secondary option during the admissions process.
• High Academic Pace: The academy is known for its rigorous approach and high expectations. While this leads to exceptional results, the pace of learning is brisk. This environment suits ambitious learners but may feel intense for some children.
• Harris Federation Influence: As part of a large academy trust, the school benefits from shared resources and standardized policies. This ensures quality but results in a structured environment that is highly focused on measurable outcomes.

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is an academic powerhouse that delivers some of the finest primary results in London. It successfully combines the scale and resources of the Harris Federation with a localized, community-focused atmosphere. The school is best suited to families in the Shortlands area who value academic rigour and a clear path toward high-achieving secondary schools. The primary hurdle remains admission; for those who secure a place, the educational standard is exceptional. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.