Dairy Meadow Primary School Review 2026: Top 5% Results in Ealing

In a quiet corner of Northolt where Swift Road meets residential streets, Dairy Meadow Primary School has built a reputation that extends well beyond its immediate catchment. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results place the school in the top 5% in England, with 89% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. This two-form entry community primary serves approximately 500 pupils aged 3 to 11, including a nursery that welcomes children from age three. Results have remained consistently strong for several years, reflecting stable leadership and effective teaching.

The school occupies a single-storey brick building dating from the 1960s, extended and refurbished over the decades to create a bright, purposeful learning environment. The site feels compact but well organised, with dedicated spaces for younger and older pupils. Displays throughout the corridors celebrate pupil work and reinforce the school's values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.

At drop-off, families from diverse backgrounds arrive on foot, by car, and by bus. The atmosphere is warm and orderly. Staff greet children by name at the gates. Children enter confidently, settling quickly into morning routines. The school serves a genuinely mixed community, with families drawn from Northolt, Greenford, and surrounding areas.

Leadership has been stable. The headteacher has guided the school through its journey to Good and maintained the academic trajectory that now places Dairy Meadow among the strongest primaries in west London. Staff turnover is low. Many teaching assistants have worked here for years, providing continuity and deep knowledge of families.

Behaviour is calm throughout the school day. Pupils move between lessons quietly and sensibly. In classrooms, children listen carefully and engage with tasks. The school's approach to behaviour emphasises clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement. Exclusions are rare.

In 2024, 89% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This represents sustained high performance over multiple years. The school ranks 637th in England out of over 15,000 primaries, placing it well above England average in the top 5%. Locally, Dairy Meadow ranks 7th among 87 primaries in Ealing, a strong position in a competitive borough.

Reading performance is particularly impressive. The average scaled score of 109 exceeds the England average of 104. In 2024, 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with 40% achieving the higher standard. Mathematics results mirror reading strength, with an average scaled score of 109 and 91% reaching expected standards. Over half (51%) achieved the higher standard in mathematics.

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling results stand out. The average scaled score of 111 reflects rigorous teaching of writing mechanics. 60% of pupils achieved the higher standard, well above typical levels. At the higher standard across all three subjects, 36% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.

Science outcomes are solid, with 87% meeting expected standards, above the England average of 82%. The school's broad curriculum ensures science is taught with the same rigour as core subjects.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum with careful sequencing and high expectations. Teachers plan collaboratively, ensuring consistency across parallel classes. Lessons are well structured, with clear learning objectives and regular checks for understanding.

Phonics teaching begins in Reception, using a systematic synthetic phonics programme. Early reading is prioritised. Children who fall behind receive targeted intervention quickly. The library is well stocked, and reading for pleasure is actively promoted.

Mathematics teaching emphasises conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Pupils use concrete resources in the early years, moving to pictorial and abstract representations as they progress. Setting in upper Key Stage 2 allows teachers to tailor challenge to individual needs. Problem-solving and reasoning feature prominently in every lesson.

Writing is taught through a structured approach that balances grammar, vocabulary development, and extended composition. Pupils write across subjects, applying their skills in science, history, and geography. Handwriting and presentation standards are high.

Specialist teaching enriches the offer. French is taught from Year 3 by a qualified linguist. Music lessons include opportunities to learn instruments, with peripatetic teachers visiting weekly. Computing is taught as a discrete subject, covering programming, digital literacy, and online safety.

Teachers know their pupils well. Assessment is ongoing, informing planning and intervention. Progress meetings each term identify children who need additional support or stretch. Teaching assistants work closely with class teachers, delivering interventions and supporting children with special educational needs.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, ensuring high levels of adult support. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator works full-time and oversees provision for approximately 50 pupils on the SEN register. Interventions include speech and language therapy, social skills groups, and literacy and numeracy catch-up programmes. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting its commitment to meeting diverse needs.

Safeguarding is taken seriously. All staff receive regular training. The designated safeguarding lead is visible and accessible. The school works closely with external agencies when concerns arise. Pupils are taught about keeping safe, including online safety, through the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education curriculum.

Emotional wellbeing is supported through a nurture group for children needing additional help with self-regulation and social interaction. A trained counsellor visits weekly, offering one-to-one sessions for children experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or family difficulties. Parents speak positively about the pastoral care their children receive.

Attendance is monitored closely. The school works with families to address persistent absence. Punctuality is emphasised, with rewards for classes with the best attendance each week.

The extracurricular programme runs throughout the week, with clubs available after school on most days. Current offerings include football, netball, cricket, dance, art, choir, coding, and chess. Clubs change each term, providing variety. Participation rates are high, with many children attending multiple clubs.

Sport is well supported. The school competes in local leagues and tournaments, with teams representing Dairy Meadow in football, netball, and athletics. The playground is used effectively for daily physical activity, with structured games at lunchtime supervised by sports coaches.

Music plays a significant role. The school choir performs at local events and participates in the Ealing Music Festival. Pupils can learn violin, recorder, or keyboard through the school's partnership with Ealing Music Service. Annual performances include a Christmas nativity for younger classes and a summer production for Years 5 and 6.

Enrichment extends into the curriculum. Year 6 pupils attend a residential trip to the Isle of Wight, building independence and team-building skills. Younger year groups visit local museums, galleries, and historical sites to support topic work. Visitors to school include authors, scientists, and community figures who inspire and broaden horizons.

Educational visits are carefully planned to enhance learning. Recent trips have included the Natural History Museum, Hampton Court Palace, and a local farm for early years pupils. These experiences bring learning to life and provide cultural capital for children who may not have access to such opportunities outside school.

Admissions are coordinated by Ealing Council. Applications for Reception places must be submitted by 15 January for September entry. Dairy Meadow is consistently oversubscribed, with 96 applications for 22 Reception places in 2024, representing a subscription ratio of 4.36 applications per place.

After looked-after children, children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, and siblings of current pupils, remaining places are allocated strictly by distance from the school gates. There is no formal catchment boundary. The furthest distance offered varies annually based on the distribution of applicants.

Families should use the Ealing Council admissions website to check their exact distance from the school and review previous years' distances to understand their likelihood of securing a place. Living close to the school significantly increases chances. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution.

Applications are made online through Ealing's coordinated admissions system. The school does not accept direct applications. Offers are made on National Offer Day in April. Waiting lists operate after offer day for families who were unsuccessful.

For in-year admissions outside the normal Reception intake, contact Ealing Council's admissions team. Places occasionally become available when families move out of the area.

Dairy Meadow offers nursery provision for children from age three. The nursery operates during term time, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Children typically attend for five sessions per week, though part-time arrangements may be possible depending on demand.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is followed, emphasising learning through play, communication and language development, and early phonics. The nursery classroom opens onto a secure outdoor area used daily for physical play and exploration. Practitioners plan activities that build social skills, independence, and school readiness.

Government-funded early years entitlement is accepted for eligible three- and four-year-olds. For current nursery fees and session availability, visit the school website or contact the school office directly. Funded hours cover up to 15 or 30 hours per week depending on eligibility. See the government's Childcare Choices website for details of early years funding.

Progression from nursery to Reception is not automatic. Families must apply through Ealing Council's coordinated admissions process. Attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, though siblings attending the school at the time of application receive priority.

The majority of pupils progress to local secondary schools, with destinations varying based on family preference and location. Popular choices include Northolt High School, Greenford High School, and Drayton Manor High School. Distance, sibling links, and individual school preferences influence secondary placement.

A proportion of Year 6 pupils sit the 11-plus for grammar school entry. In recent years, several pupils have secured places at grammar schools including Henrietta Barnett School and other selective schools in neighbouring boroughs. The school provides familiarisation with reasoning test formats but does not offer intensive 11-plus preparation. Families seeking grammar school places typically arrange external tutoring.

The school works closely with secondary schools to ensure smooth transitions. Year 6 teachers share detailed information about each child's academic and pastoral needs. Transition days in the summer term allow pupils to visit their new schools and meet teachers. Enhanced transition arrangements support children with additional needs.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for all year groups except nursery. Gates open at 8:40am, and children are expected to be in class by 8:50am. Punctuality is emphasised, with late arrivals recorded.

Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a calm start to the day with breakfast and supervised activities. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, offering a safe, structured environment with homework support, games, and crafts. Both clubs must be booked in advance through the school office. Charges apply to cover staffing costs.

Holiday clubs operate during some school holidays, including half-term weeks and parts of the summer holiday. Details and booking information are shared with families in advance via the school's communication app.

The school uniform consists of grey trousers or skirt, white shirt or polo shirt, and a royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the school logo. Uniform can be purchased from the school office or local suppliers. PE kit includes a plain white t-shirt, black shorts, and trainers.

Parking near the school is limited. Families are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport where possible. Swift Road experiences congestion at drop-off and pick-up times. A school crossing patrol operates to support safe crossing.

School meals are provided by Ealing's catering service. Meals are free for all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Older pupils can purchase meals or bring a packed lunch. The school promotes healthy eating, and lunchtime supervisors encourage children to try different foods.

Communication with parents happens primarily through the school app and regular newsletters. Parent consultation evenings occur twice yearly, with additional meetings available on request. The school maintains an open-door policy, and staff are accessible before and after school for brief conversations.

High competition for places. With 96 applications for 22 Reception places in 2024, entry is fiercely competitive. Families must live very close to the school to secure a place under distance criteria. The subscription ratio of 4.36 applications per place reflects strong local demand. Review previous years' data on Ealing Council's website before relying on a place here. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception entry. Attending the nursery does not provide automatic progression to Reception. All families must apply through Ealing's coordinated admissions, and distance from the school gates remains the primary criterion after priority groups. Some nursery families may be unsuccessful in securing Reception places if they live too far away.

Limited outdoor space. The school site is compact, with a relatively small playground for the number of pupils on roll. While the space is used effectively and children have daily outdoor time, families used to larger school grounds may notice the difference. The school maximises the space through timetabling and supervision.

Parking and drop-off congestion. Swift Road becomes congested at the start and end of the school day. Families driving to school should allow extra time and consider alternative arrangements where possible. The school encourages walking, and many families live close enough to do so.

Consistently exceptional results, rigorous teaching, and a strong sense of community make Dairy Meadow a standout primary in west London. The school delivers outcomes that rival selective and independent schools while serving a genuinely mixed intake. Pupils leave well prepared for secondary school, having experienced high expectations and a broad curriculum. Best suited to families within the tight catchment who want academically ambitious education in a caring, stable environment. The main challenge is securing a place. For those who do, the educational experience is first-class.