Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in South Harrow

Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School is a high performing community primary school that consistently sets a standard for academic excellence within the London Borough of Harrow. With a two form entry structure and a total capacity of 420 pupils, it maintains a size that allows for a vibrant social mix while ensuring that the educational experience remains focused and personalized. The school serves a diverse local population from its site on Ravenswood Crescent, and its results frequently place it among the most successful state primaries in England. In 2024, the school's performance metrics were exceptional, reflecting a culture where high expectations are the norm for both staff and pupils.

The atmosphere at Newton Farm is one of purposeful energy and quiet confidence. As a non denominational school, it welcomes families from all backgrounds, fostering a community that feels inclusive and grounded. The physical environment is well maintained and efficiently organized to support the needs of children ranging from three year olds in the nursery to eleven year old leavers in Year 6.

Mr Matthew Bradley, the Headteacher since September 2017, has steered the school with a focus on consistency and high standards. The school's "three pillars" of respect, reflection, and sustainability are woven into the daily life of the school, nurturing qualities and principles that pupils uphold. Within the classrooms, there is a clear sense of order; pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work and show respect for their peers, creating a sanctuary for focused learning.

The academic outcomes at Newton Farm are among the strongest in the country. In the 2024 Key Stage 2 assessments, 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly above the England average of 62%, placing the school in the elite tier of primary education.

Data from FindMySchool rankings highlights this prestige: Newton Farm ranks 489th in England for primary outcomes and 7th among all primaries in Harrow. This performance places the school in the top 10% of schools in England (national high band). The depth of achievement is even more apparent at the higher standard, where 41% of pupils reached the greater depth level in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to an England average of just 8%.

The granular scores tell a similar story of excellence across the board. The average scaled score in reading was 108, while mathematics reached 109, both comfortably exceeding national benchmarks. Perhaps most striking is the performance in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS), where the average scaled score hit 113, with 70% of pupils achieving a high score.

Teaching at Newton Farm is characterized by its rigour and clarity. The curriculum is designed to build foundational skills early, particularly in literacy and numeracy, which explains the school's standout performance in GPS and mathematics. Lessons are structured to ensure that no child is left behind while providing enough challenge for the most able pupils.

The school's nursery provision is a vital part of this academic journey. By integrating early years education into the main school structure, Newton Farm ensures a seamless transition into Reception. In the nursery, the focus is on developing communication, language, and social skills through a mix of structured play and practitioner led activities. As pupils move through the school, specialist teaching and a well resourced library support a broad curriculum that includes science, where 92% of pupils met the expected standard in 2024 (England average: 82%).

Extracurricular life at Newton Farm is designed to complement the academic day and provide pupils with a rounded experience. The school offers a variety of clubs that allow pupils to explore interests in sports, the arts, and technology. Specific programmes such as the School Council and Eco Warriors give pupils the opportunity to take on leadership roles and contribute to the school's development.

The music programme is a particular point of pride, with opportunities for pupils to join the choir and learn various instruments. Physical education is also prioritized, with the school participating in local Harrow sports fixtures and hosting its own annual sports days. These activities are viewed not just as extras, but as essential tools for building the "soft skills" of teamwork, resilience, and discipline that help pupils succeed in their formal studies.

Pastoral care is integrated into the daily life of the school. The latest Ofsted report from September 2022 rated both Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development as Outstanding. Safeguarding is confirmed as a strength, with clear procedures in place to ensure pupil safety and wellbeing. Each class teacher serves as the primary point of contact for pupils and parents, supported by a team of teaching assistants who provide targeted help where needed.

The school maintains a calm and orderly environment where bullying is not tolerated and positive behavior is rewarded. For pupils with additional needs, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Ms Barber, works closely with families and external agencies to ensure that appropriate support is in place, allowing every child to access the high quality curriculum.

Securing a place at Newton Farm is a significant challenge due to its reputation and results. In 2024, the school received 262 applications for just 60 places in Reception. This means there were over 4 applications for every available seat, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the local area.

The last distance offered for 2024 entry was approximately 0.279 miles, reflecting an extremely tight catchment area. 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 from the school gates to gauge their chances of entry. For the nursery, applications are made directly to the school, though a place in the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school's Reception class.

Leavers from Newton Farm are well prepared for the transition to secondary education. Many pupils progress to high performing local secondary schools or sought after Harrow comprehensives such as Whitmore High School or Rooks Heath. Given the high academic standards, a portion of the cohort also successfully applies for selective grammar schools in neighboring boroughs or independent senior schools. The school provides transition support in Year 6 to help both pupils and parents navigate the application process and prepare for the increased independence of secondary school.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Wraparound care is provided through the "Superchargers" club. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:50am, and After School Club runs from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Detailed pricing for these sessions is available on the school website. The school is located within walking distance of South Harrow station (Piccadilly Line), making it accessible for parents commuting into central London. There is no visitor car parking on site.

Fees & Financial Aid

Newton Farm is a state funded community school; therefore, there are no tuition fees for the primary school or the nursery. Parents do not need to apply for financial aid or bursaries for standard education. Costs may apply for optional extras such as school uniforms, school meals, and specific extracurricular activities. Breakfast Club is currently priced at £6 per session and After School Club at £9 per session for the 2025/2026 academic year. Eligible families can access 15 or 30 hours of government funded nursery provision; see our guide to nursery funding for details.

• Extreme Competition for Places: With a last distance offered of 0.279 miles in 2024, living within a very short radius of the school is essential for a realistic chance of admission. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify distances before relying on a place here.
• High Academic Pace: The school's results are elite, which often implies a brisk curriculum pace. While this suits many, families should ensure their child is comfortable in an environment where academic progress is a primary focus.
• Nursery to Reception Transition: Having a place in the school's nursery is highly beneficial for early development, but it does not provide an automatic right of entry into the Reception class; parents must still apply through the Harrow Council coordinated admissions process.

Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School is an academic powerhouse that provides a private school level of education within the state sector. Its consistent ranking in the top tier of schools in England and its impressive KS2 results make it a premier choice for families in South Harrow. It is best suited to pupils who thrive in a structured, high achieving environment and families who live in the immediate proximity of the school gates. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist and track admission dates.