Deanesfield Primary School Review 2026: High-Performing Hub in Ruislip

In a leafy residential stretch of Ruislip where South Ruislip meets the heart of the borough, Deanesfield Primary School stands as a significant and highly successful institution. This three-form entry school, serving approximately 676 children, has established itself as one of the most academically potent primaries in North West London. The 2024 results place the school among the top tier of all primary providers in England, a remarkable achievement for a large community school.

The leadership team, headed by Ms. Kris O'Sullivan, maintains an environment that balances significant academic ambition with a wide-ranging, inclusive curriculum. As a larger-than-average primary, the school offers a scale of facilities and social opportunity that smaller schools often struggle to match, yet it manages to retain a focused, orderly atmosphere that parents find reassuring.

The physical environment of Deanesfield Primary School reflects its status as an established part of the Hillingdon community. The campus is well-ordered and spacious, accommodating the large intake without feeling congested. Beyond the gates, the school reveals a structured and purposeful setting where expectations for behavior and effort are clearly signaled and consistently met.

There is a palpable sense of momentum under the current leadership. Ms. O'Sullivan has focused on refining the curriculum and ensuring that the high standards of the past are not just maintained but evolved. The school operates with a clear set of values that prioritize respect and mutual support, which is evident in the calm way pupils move between the main building and the specialist areas.

The inclusion of an on-site nursery ensures that many children begin their journey here at age three, allowing for a long-term integration into the school culture. This longevity often results in a cohesive parent body and a student population that feels a deep sense of ownership over their school environment.

The academic performance at Deanesfield Primary School is exceptional. In 2024, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This figure is vastly superior to the England average of 61%, placing the school in an elite tier for core subject proficiency.

The school ranks 739th in England (FindMySchool ranking), which places it comfortably within the top 5% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 5th among all primary schools in Hillingdon, a testament to its consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes in a competitive borough.

Key metric highlights include:

• Mathematics: Pupils achieved an average scaled score of 110, well above the England average of 104.
• Reading: Pupils reached an average scaled score of 109, exceeding the England average of 105.
• High Attainers: At the higher standard, 19% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%.

The curriculum at Deanesfield is designed to be both rigorous and broad. In the early years, the focus is on communication and language, establishing the foundations that lead to the impressive KS2 outcomes. As pupils progress, the school employs a thematic approach to many subjects, though core literacy and numeracy remain central pillars of the daily timetable.

The most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2025 confirmed the exceptional standard of provision. The school was rated Outstanding in all five key areas: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision. Inspectors noted that the school has designed a highly ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs.

Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics and early reading. Lessons are structured to ensure that pupils are challenged, with a high proportion of children reaching the higher standard. The school also places a significant emphasis on physical education and the arts, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

As a state primary in Hillingdon, the majority of Year 6 pupils transition to local secondary schools. The most frequent destinations include Queensmead School and Ruislip High School, both of which are well-regarded and within easy reach of the Ruislip and South Ruislip areas.

A notable portion of the cohort annually secures places at selective grammar schools in neighboring London boroughs or Buckinghamshire. The school provides a solid foundation for those wishing to sit the 11-plus, although it does not provide formal entrance exam coaching. Transition arrangements are robust, with secondary staff frequently visiting to ensure that the jump to Year 7 is managed smoothly.

Securing a place at Deanesfield is a significant challenge for those living outside its immediate vicinity. In recent intakes, the school has been consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its high local reputation.

For the 2024 entry, the last distance offered was 0.994 miles. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to this benchmark. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The admissions process is coordinated by Hillingdon Local Authority. Beyond the statutory priority for children with EHCPs or those in local authority care, the distance from the school gate remains the primary deciding factor for the 90 available Reception places.

Nursery Provision

Deanesfield Primary School offers integrated nursery provision for children starting at age three. The nursery is a vital part of the school ecosystem, often acting as the primary feeder for the Reception classes. From September 2025, the nursery offers two session types: a morning session (8:50 am to 11:50 am) and a full-day option (8:50 am to 2:50 pm) for those using the 30-hour childcare entitlement.

The environment is designed to bridge the gap between home and formal schooling, with a heavy emphasis on outdoor learning and social development. Parents utilizing the 30-hour offer can opt for school lunches at a cost of £2.50 per day, providing a popular early social experience for the children.

With nearly 700 pupils, Deanesfield utilizes a tiered pastoral system to ensure no child is overlooked. Each class teacher is supported by a teaching assistant, and the school leadership remains visible and accessible.

The 2025 inspection highlighted that pupils' behavior in lessons and around the school is exemplary. Children listen attentively to adults and learn to cooperate and share from the early years onwards. Support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a priority, with resourced provision for eight pupils focusing on speech, language, and communication needs. The Head of Inclusion works closely with families to ensure that interventions are timely and effective.

The scale of the school allows for an extensive extracurricular offer. Pupils have access to a variety of clubs including Football, Netball, Coding, and Choir. The school has a strong reputation for its music provision, with many pupils taking up instrumental lessons through visiting tutors.

STEM excellence is a growing focus, with the school often participating in borough-wide competitions and utilizing its well-equipped IT suite to push digital literacy. Facilities are a highlight, including large halls for assembly and performance, and well-maintained outdoor spaces that include dedicated play equipment for different key stages.

The school day typically runs from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. For working parents, Deanesfield offers both a Breakfast Club and an After-School Club, providing wraparound care. These sessions are popular and usually require advance booking.

The school is well-served by public transport, with South Ruislip station (Central Line and Chiltern Railways) within walking distance. Parking in the immediate vicinity is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times, and the school actively encourages Park and Stride or walking routes to manage local congestion.

• Intense Competition for Places: The school is heavily oversubscribed. Living within a mile of the school was necessary for entry in 2024, but this is no guarantee of future admission.
• Large School Scale: For some families, a three-form entry school can feel daunting. While Deanesfield manages its size well, it lacks the small school feel found in some smaller local alternatives.
• Wraparound Care Demand: The breakfast and after-school clubs are in high demand. Families requiring these services should contact the school immediately upon securing a place to check for availability.

Deanesfield Primary School is an academic powerhouse that delivers results far beyond the England average. It is a school that suits families who value high standards, structured learning, and a broad range of facilities. It is particularly effective for high-attaining pupils who want to be challenged among a large, diverse peer group. The primary hurdle remains the admissions process; for those within the catchment radius, it offers a quality of education that rivals many local independent options.