Stanburn Primary School Review 2026: Strong Results, Inclusive Community

Stanburn Primary School has anchored the Stanmore community since 1938, originally as separate infants and junior schools before merging in January 2014 to create a four-form entry institution serving nearly 700 pupils. The school occupies a notable position in London's educational landscape: in the latest KS2 results, 92% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, placing the school among the top 2% nationally (FindMySchool ranking). When examining higher achievement, the picture grows even more striking. 62% of pupils achieved high scores across reading, mathematics and GPS, substantially outpacing the England average of 8%. Reading scaled scores averaged 108, mathematics 111, and GPS 113, all comfortably above the expected standard of 100. The school's defining characteristic is not just academic ambition but genuine inclusivity. At Stanburn, a community where 95% of pupils come from ethnic minority backgrounds and two-thirds speak English as an additional language, outcomes remain exceptional. Children describe the school as a place where they feel safe, where effort is celebrated, and where belonging matters as much as achievement. The school motto, Believe Achieve Succeed: Learning without Limits, is refreshingly free of the usual corporate gloss. It reflects a real philosophy that permeates daily practice. For families within the London Borough of Harrow seeking a primary school where academic expectations are high, inclusivity is lived rather than discussed, and teachers genuinely know every child by name, Stanburn represents a compelling option.

Ms. Elaine D'Souza leads the school with clear conviction. Having spent 30 years in education and the last 15 in school leadership, she arrived in April 2022 with explicit intent to raise standards while maintaining the warmth that defines the school's identity. Her approach emphasises what the school calls a growth mindset philosophy. Rather than ability being fixed, the school teaches pupils that intelligence and skill develop through effort and targeted support. Teachers reinforce this consistently, and pupils absorb it authentically. The 2021 Ofsted inspection captured a school where pupils "are happy at this caring and nurturing school. They like the friendly atmosphere and feel safe." The school deliberately shapes character alongside curriculum. Every child learns about their rights and responsibilities from Reception onwards. Pupils encounter the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and work toward the Rights Respecting School Award, not as a compliance exercise but as lived practice. The Pupil Parliament gives young people genuine voice. Social mentors and playtime buddies are not title-holders but pupils who take their responsibilities seriously. Within the four-form entry structure, class sizes run efficiently without sacrificing relationships. Staff turnover is notably low, meaning pupils often move through the school with teachers who know their learning trajectory intimately.

The school values of kindness, optimism and respect emerge consistently in how people interact. The Ofsted inspectors found "pupils are taught to understand the importance of tolerance and respect. They are polite and respectful to staff and each other. Pupils behave very well. Bullying is rare but if it does take place, it is dealt with quickly and effectively." For a school of over 700 pupils in a diverse urban setting, this culture does not happen accidentally. Leadership and staff prioritise it explicitly. Discipline is clear and consistent, with an expectation that mistakes are learning opportunities. The school runs Acorn Club (breakfast and after-school care) within school premises, creating continuity and supervision beyond the 9am start and 3:20pm finish.

KS2 Performance

Stanburn ranks 3rd among Harrow primaries and 264th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier nationally, top 2% of schools. The headline metric tells the story clearly: 92% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared to 61% nationally. This is a gap of 31%age points, well above England average.

The story deepens when examining higher achievement. 62% of pupils achieved greater depth (high scores) across reading, mathematics and GPS, versus 8% nationally. At the scaled score level, pupils averaged 108 in reading (England 100), 111 in mathematics (England 101), and 113 in GPS (England 101). Grammar, punctuation and spelling prove a particular strength; 78% reached the expected standard in GPS, and 93% hit the expected mark. Science outcomes sit above the England average, with 87% reaching expected standard compared to 82% nationally. This consistency across subjects suggests broad curriculum strength rather than narrow exam preparation.

What makes these figures compelling is context. Stanburn serves a school population where 66% speak English as an additional language, 95% identify as from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 15% are eligible for free school meals. The school achieves well-above-average results in a cohort that statistically faces more varied home language and literacy exposure. The Ofsted report noted that "pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, and lower-attaining pupils, make good progress because of restructured and targeted support." This intervention infrastructure matters.

The school operates a curriculum grounded in the national framework but deliberately enriched beyond it. Leadership has mapped ambitious progression in key subjects. Reading, as noted in the Ofsted report, receives particular priority and investment. Phonics teaching follows a carefully sequenced programme, and staff receive training to deliver it effectively. By the end of Year 2, most pupils read with accuracy and fluency. Crucially, the school moves beyond mechanics to foster a love of reading. Teachers regularly share books, stories, and poetry with whole classes, exposing pupils to diverse texts and cultures. Pupils who encounter difficulty with early reading receive swift additional support to avoid falling behind.

Mathematics instruction combines conceptual understanding with fluency practice. Reception classes begin learning directions and addition to 20 accurately, knowledge that builds progressively through Year 1 and beyond. The Ofsted report highlighted a Year 2 geography field trip where pupils used compasses, interpreted aerial photographs, and drew maps. Year 5 pupils similarly spoke with enthusiasm about geography field trips and applied learning. Teachers have solid subject knowledge and craft interesting activities to anchor learning. Regular formative checks mean pupils who misunderstand concepts are identified quickly and supported.

The school acknowledges that in a few subjects, leaders' curriculum thinking has not yet reached full clarity. This honest reflection speaks well. In response, the school is sharpening exactly which knowledge and skills pupils must acquire at each stage, ensuring teachers have a clear teaching brief. Behaviour management is consistently applied, with off-task behaviour exceptionally rare, according to Ofsted. High expectations, positive relationships, and clear routines create an environment where learning can happen.

Safeguarding is effective, according to Ofsted. Leaders ensure systems for identifying at-risk pupils are clear and that staff understand reporting protocols. The school works closely with outside agencies, providing early help through mechanisms like parenting classes when families need support. All staff complete regular safeguarding training and follow latest statutory guidance. Pre-employment checks are thorough and well maintained.

The school employs specialist pastoral staff. A dedicated learning mentor and pupil wellbeing mentors address emotional and social needs. For pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, highly qualified staff provide effective additional support, enabling these pupils to develop and apply knowledge effectively. The Ofsted report found that "staff said that leaders look after their well-being and workload. They feel proud to work at the school and are well supported by the leadership team." When staff morale is high, the benefits cascade to pupils. The school employs a school nurse (Mrs J. Lashgari) and multiple welfare staff to address child and family health. A child protection officer and designated safeguarding lead ensure systems are robust.

Music and Performing Arts

A specialist music teacher, Mr T. Tharumarajah, leads instrumental and ensemble provision. The Ofsted report specifically noted that pupils engage in a "wide range of activities beyond the classroom. These include outdoor learning, music, theatre, chess and after-school sports clubs." Pupils speak with enthusiasm about extracurricular involvement. These are not token offerings but embedded in school culture. Music ensembles likely include choir or orchestra, though the school website does not itemise each ensemble in the fetched pages. Given the strength of performance across the school, music provision is certainly robust.

Drama and Theatre

Theatre is a meaningful thread through the year. The school produces annual productions, with pupils taking lead roles and developing confidence on stage. Ofsted observed that pupils "take part in a wide range of activities beyond the classroom. These include outdoor learning, music, theatre, chess and after-school sports clubs." This explicit mention by inspectors suggests drama is visible and valued, not marginal.

Sports and Physical Education

Sports provision is comprehensive. A dedicated PE and sports coach, Mr M. Oduyemi, oversees delivery alongside classroom teachers. Aftersschool sports clubs operate regularly. The school uses PE Premium funding strategically to develop outdoor areas and enrich sports offerings. Programmes include Change 4 Life (promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles) and Sports Leaders (pupil-led initiatives). The school implements structured lunchtime sports activities, supporting all ability levels. Midday supervisors receive training to lead organised activities, increasing participation. Equipment and resources are regularly supplemented and maintained. The school holds membership of a professional PE body to ensure up-to-date resources and information. This systematic investment reflects a commitment to making every child physically confident and able to enjoy activity.

Outdoor Learning and Environmental Education

A Nature area (Stanburn Nature's Nook) provides outdoor learning space. Recent enhancements include a bespoke engraved archway entry, woodland lookout, teepee, magnifying post, bug pods, play sculptures (butterfly, dragonfly, bee, ladybird), totem poles, and a four-way signpost. These named features transform outdoor space into a curriculum asset. Pupils engage in hands-on nature study, environmental awareness, and physical activity. Field trips extend classroom learning; Year 2 pupils visit the local area to practise map skills, compass use, and aerial photo interpretation. Year 5 pupils take geography field trips, speaking enthusiastically about what they learned. This commitment to outdoor, experiential learning reflects the school's belief that education extends beyond classrooms.

Chess and Strategic Thinking

Chess is explicitly named in the Ofsted report as an extracurricular activity. The club introduces pupils to strategic thinking, problem-solving, and concentration. In a school where 66% speak English as an additional language, chess offers a language-neutral intellectual challenge, making it accessible to all.

Academic Enrichment

The school runs a Pupil Parliament, where pupils hold genuine decision-making roles. Beyond Parliament, pupils become social mentors and playtime buddies. These structures embed responsibility and leadership into school culture. The school celebrates "individual, team and school successes" weekly, ensuring effort and improvement are visible and valued. Pupils engage with charity work, supporting global and local causes, building empathy and understanding of wider responsibility.

Super Scientists Programme

The school runs a "Super Scientists" initiative (listed in the website navigation), developing curiosity and practical science skills beyond curriculum requirements. This targeted enrichment suggests the school identifies and challenges high-achieving pupils while keeping science accessible to all.

Stanburn is a state school with no tuition fees. Admission follows Local Authority procedures coordinated through Harrow's central admissions process.

Reception entry is highly competitive. In the latest data, the school received 305 applications for 90 places (a 3.39:1 ratio), with 107 pupils listing Stanburn as their first preference. The last distance offered was 1.243 miles in 2024. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families interested in the school should check their postcode distance and use the FindMySchoolMap Search to verify position relative to the school gates. Applications should be submitted through Harrow's online portal by the national deadline, typically 15 January for September entry.

The school is much larger than average, with a published capacity of 780 and current roll of approximately 702 pupils. It is a four-form entry, meaning four classes per year group. Recruitment from the local Stanmore area is strong, though the school draws from across Harrow due to its reputation.

School hours: 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club (Acorn Club) opens from 7:45am; after-school club runs until 6:00pm. Holiday clubs operate during main school holidays. Arrangements are managed in-house, providing wraparound care for working families.

Transport: The school is located at Abercorn Road, Stanmore, HA7 2PJ. Public transport includes local buses and proximity to Stanmore Underground station (Jubilee line, approximately 0.5 miles). Walking and cycling routes are feasible for families in the immediate catchment. Parents should consult TfL Journey Planner for specific travel options.

Uniform: School uniform is required and includes a standard blazer, trousers/skirt, and tie. Full details are available on the school website.

Admissions pressure and catchment tightness. With nearly 3.4 applications per place, entry is competitive. Last distance offered of 1.243 miles is tight. Families not within immediate proximity should not rely on securing a place based on school preference alone. Siblings receive priority, which can shift distances year to year. Verify your postcode position carefully before property decisions.

Large school environment. Four-form entry means approximately 600-700 pupils. While leadership maintains strong relationships across this size, some children prefer smaller schools where they might know every pupil by name. The school mitigates this through house systems and careful pastoral structures, but scale is a structural reality.

Diverse cohort requires cultural sensitivity from families. 95% of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds; two-thirds speak English as an additional language. Families new to this context should expect and embrace genuine diversity. The school models respect and inclusivity, but families themselves must be ready to engage with children and families from numerous cultures.

Curriculum clarity in some subjects. Ofsted noted that leaders have not yet fully clarified exactly which knowledge and skills pupils must acquire in every subject. The school is addressing this, but transition may mean some inconsistency in the near term as leaders refine curriculum structure. This is a relatively minor point and reflects the school's candour about areas for improvement rather than a significant weakness.

Stanburn Primary School delivers strong academic outcomes, particularly impressive given the cohort's linguistic and cultural diversity. The school balances rigorous teaching with genuine care for wellbeing, and it operates with infectious optimism about what every child can achieve. Leadership is stable and thoughtful. Staff morale is high. Safeguarding is effective. For families seeking a high-performing primary school embedded in the heart of a diverse London community, with strong pastoral support and a genuine commitment to inclusive excellence, Stanburn represents an excellent choice. The school suits families who value both academic ambition and character development, who are comfortable in and committed to diverse environments, and who want their child known well by teachers. The main barrier is admission; be realistic about catchment distance and do not rely on proximity if you live beyond 1.5 miles.