Cannon Lane Primary School Review 2026: Pinner’s Academic Powerhouse

Cannon Lane Primary School occupies a spacious site in a residential pocket of Pinner, serving a community that places a high premium on educational outcomes. This large, three-form entry school has a reputation for academic intensity that rivals the local independent sector, consistently appearing in the top tier of England’s primary schools. In the latest assessment period, its results placed it 272nd out of over 15,000 schools in England, a position that puts it firmly in the elite bracket of the highest-performing schools. With a capacity for 840 pupils, it is a significant institution in the London Borough of Harrow, yet it manages to maintain a cohesive atmosphere through structured year-group hubs and a clear set of shared values.

The atmosphere at Cannon Lane is one of quiet, purposeful industry. The school’s physical environment is expansive, featuring a mix of original brick architecture and modern additions that house its many pupils. Unlike smaller, more intimate primaries, Cannon Lane feels like a junior campus, where the scale of the school allows for specialized facilities and a broad social circle for every child.

Mr Martin Belfrage has led the school as Headteacher since September 2024, continuing a legacy of stability and ambition. Under his stewardship, the school has embedded its core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Resourcefulness. These pillars are not merely decorative; they form the basis of the school’s behavior policy and are integrated into the daily rewards system.

There is a palpable sense of aspiration here. Parents are highly engaged, and the school operates with the efficiency of a high-functioning machine. While the academic pace is brisk, there is a strong emphasis on character, with older pupils taking on leadership roles as school councilors or playground buddies to support their younger peers.

The academic results at Cannon Lane tell a story of exceptional achievement across the entire curriculum. In 2024, over 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that significantly exceeds the England average of 62%. This high baseline is matched by a significant proportion of pupils working at greater depth. Specifically, 46% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three core areas, compared to just 8% across England as a whole.

The school ranks 272nd in England for primary outcomes according to FindMySchool rankings. Locally, it ranks 4th among the 47 primary schools in Harrow, placing it in the elite tier, in the top 2% of schools in England.

Subject-specific performance is equally dominant. The average scaled score in mathematics was 111, while reading reached 109, both well above England averages. These figures reflect a curriculum that prioritizes core mastery alongside creative application. A recent 2024 inspection confirmed that pupils set extremely high ambitions for their own achievements, enabling them to thrive academically across the curriculum.

Teaching at Cannon Lane is characterized by high expectations and a structured approach to the National Curriculum. The school utilizes a mastery approach in mathematics, ensuring that children develop a deep conceptual understanding before moving on to new topics. This is supported by a significant investment in technology, with pupils using digital tools to enhance their research and presentation skills from an early age.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, though the emphasis on core literacy and numeracy is undeniable. Specialized teaching is introduced in areas such as Music and Physical Education, where the school’s size allows for dedicated staff expertise. Assessment is frequent and used effectively to identify any pupils falling behind, with targeted interventions typically happening in small groups to ensure no child loses momentum. Reading is a top priority, supported by staff expertise in phonics and creative initiatives like the school's book-vending machine.

Managing a school of over 800 pupils requires a robust pastoral system. Each year group operates as a distinct unit, led by a Year Leader who ensures that the individual needs of pupils are met. The December 2024 Ofsted inspection judged the school to be Outstanding in all areas, including personal development and behavior and attitudes.

For pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the school provides a comprehensive support network. The Inclusion Team works closely with external agencies to ensure that EHCP requirements are met with precision. There is a strong focus on emotional literacy, with the school using "Zones of Regulation" to help children identify and manage their feelings. This is a vital tool in an environment where academic expectations are high.

The scale of Cannon Lane allows for an extracurricular menu that smaller schools struggle to match. The school makes full use of its extensive grounds, which include large playing fields and multiple hard-court areas.

The school is a member of the Harrow School Sports Schools Partnership, providing pupils with regular opportunities to compete in athletics, football, and netball tournaments. Creative arts are equally well-represented. The school boasts a dedicated Music Room and several choirs, with pupils regularly performing in regional festivals.

STEM is a major pillar of the extracurricular offer. Specific clubs such as Lego Robotics, Coding Club, and the Gardening Club allow pupils to apply their scientific knowledge in practical contexts. The school’s "Global Citizens" initiative also encourages children to look beyond Pinner, with various charity projects and environmental schemes integrated into the school year.

Securing a place at Cannon Lane is a significant challenge for families moving into the area. In the most recent intake, the school received 315 applications for just 86 offers. With a subscription proportion of 3.66, it is one of the most oversubscribed schools in Harrow.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.071 miles from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance compared to previous years’ trends. Places are allocated by Harrow Council following the standard state criteria: looked-after children first, followed by siblings, and then distance.

As an elite-performing primary, Cannon Lane acts as a major feeder for Harrow’s top-tier secondary schools. A significant number of pupils transition to Pinner High School or Nower Hill High School.

The school’s high academic standard means that a substantial portion of the Year 6 cohort sits entrance exams for selective grammar schools and independent seniors. Pupils frequently secure places at The Haberdashers’ Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, Merchant Taylors’, and the Watford Grammar schools. The school provides a solid foundation for these transitions, focusing on the independence and study skills required for secondary success.

The school day ends at 3:10pm for Reception and Key Stage 1, and at 3:20pm for Key Stage 2. For working families, wraparound care is established through the school's Breakfast and After School clubs. Breakfast Club typically begins at 7:45am, while the After School Club provides care until late afternoon.

The school is located on Cannonbury Avenue, which can become heavily congested at drop-off and pick-up. Families are encouraged to walk or cycle, and the school participates in the "School Streets" initiative to limit traffic during peak hours. The nearest station is Pinner (Metropolitan Line), which is roughly a 15-minute walk from the school.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. While core education is provided without cost, some optional enrichment activities may incur charges. For example, instrumental music lessons in the 2024/25 academic year were priced at £290 per year, covering a minimum of 33 lessons. Families may also be asked for voluntary contributions towards school trips and special workshops.

• Significant Size: With 840 pupils, Cannon Lane is much larger than the average primary. While this brings better facilities and more clubs, children who thrive in smaller, more intimate settings might find the bustle and scale overwhelming at first.
• Intense Competition for Places: The school is heavily oversubscribed. With over three applications for every place, living a mile away is no guarantee of entry. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• High Academic Expectations: The school’s elite ranking is a result of a fast-paced and rigorous curriculum. While this suits motivated learners, families should be aware that the school culture is focused on high achievement.

Cannon Lane Primary School is an academic powerhouse that delivers results on par with the best schools in England. It combines the resources of a large school with the discipline and focus of a high-achieving academy. Best suited to families who prioritize academic excellence and want their children to be part of a large, ambitious community with extensive extracurricular opportunities. The primary hurdle is simply getting through the door.