Harefield School Review 2026: Specialist Links in a Village Setting

Harefield School serves the village of Harefield and the wider Hillingdon area from a distinctively modern, circular building designed to foster community. Formerly known as The Harefield Academy, the school has rebranded and holds a Good rating from its 2021 Ofsted inspection. It is smaller than many secondary schools, with a Year 7 intake of just 90 pupils, allowing for a close-knit atmosphere where staff know students well.

The school's history is tied to its specialist status in health and science, leveraging its proximity to the world-renowned Harefield Hospital. While it is a comprehensive state school, these links remain part of its identity, offering unique enrichment opportunities.

The first thing visitors notice is the architecture. The main building is arranged in a circle around a central courtyard, a design intended to create a sense of inclusion and visibility. Unlike sprawling comprehensive campuses, Harefield feels contained and focused. The school describes itself as a "village school with a global outlook," a phrase that captures its dual role: serving the immediate local community while aspiring to broader horizons through its medical and scientific connections.

Mrs Salma Riley has led the school through its recent evolution. Under her leadership, the school has emphasised a values-driven culture. The core values—Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion, and Aspiration—are not merely wall displays but are integrated into the behaviour policy and daily assemblies.

The atmosphere is described by inspectors as calm and orderly, with a strong culture of safeguarding. The smaller cohort size helps reduce the anonymity often found in larger London schools, though the unique building design means noise can travel in open areas.

Academic outcomes at Harefield School present a mixed picture that parents should understand in context. In 2024, the school's Progress 8 score was -0.66, placing it in the lower 40% of schools in England (bottom 40% of schools in England). This indicates that, on average, students achieved more than half a grade lower across their subjects than students with similar starting points nationally.

The Attainment 8 score of 37.7 is also below the England average of 45.9. The percentage of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics was 3.6%, significantly below the national average.

However, these headline figures do not tell the whole story. The school performs stronger in vocational and technical qualifications, which aligns with its practical and specialist ethos. For students suited to applied learning rather than purely academic routes, the school offers effective pathways.

The curriculum covers the National Curriculum with a specific slant towards the school’s specialisms. In Key Stage 3, students study a broad range of subjects, but there is a notable emphasis on physical education and science. The school uses "knowledge organisers" to help students master core facts, a strategy introduced to improve retention and recall.

Teaching quality was judged to be Good in 2021. Inspectors noted that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum. Teachers generally have strong subject knowledge, particularly in the school's specialist areas of sport and science. Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is a priority, with learning support assistants working effectively within classrooms.

Harefield School stands out for its strong employment focus. In 2024, 35% of leavers moved directly into employment, a figure substantially higher than the national average. This reflects a culture that values work-readiness and practical skills alongside academic study.

19% of leavers progressed to university, while 10% secured apprenticeships. The school’s destinations data suggests it is particularly effective for students aiming for vocational careers, trades, or direct entry into the workforce, rather than being a traditional feeder for Russell Group universities.

Admissions are coordinated by the London Borough of Hillingdon. The school is non-selective and serves the local community. For Year 7 entry in September 2026, the Published Admission Number (PAN) is 90, making it one of the smaller secondary intakes in the borough.

Applications must be submitted to Hillingdon Council by 31 October 2025. In the event of oversubscription, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then children living closest to the school. In 2024, the school received 119 applications for its 90 places, making it moderately popular but not overwhelmingly oversubscribed compared to other Hillingdon schools.

The school’s small size is its greatest asset in pastoral care. The "house" feel is achieved through year-group structures where Heads of Year monitor both academic progress and wellbeing. The 2021 Ofsted report highlighted safeguarding as a strength, noting that pupils feel safe and that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively.

Mentoring is a key feature, with older students often taking roles to support younger peers. The school also provides access to counselling and mental health support, recognising the increasing need for these services.

The extracurricular programme is heavily influenced by the school’s legacy specialisms. Sport is central to school life; the "Academy of Sport" offers elite-level coaching and competitive fixtures in football and netball. The facilities include a sports hall and extensive playing fields.

STEM: Medical Links

Uniquely, the school maintains links with the medical and scientific community. The "Medics Club" provides students interested in healthcare careers with opportunities to meet professionals and learn first aid. Science enrichment allows students to engage in practical experiments beyond the standard curriculum.

Other clubs include Debate Mate, drama, and various subject-based societies. Trips are regular, ranging from local geography fieldwork to history trips abroad.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. A free breakfast club is available from 8:00am.

Harefield is a semi-rural village location. The school is served by the U9 and 331 bus routes, connecting it to Uxbridge, Ruislip, and Northwood. There is no on-site parking for students, and parents are encouraged to use public transport links.

Academic Metrics: The 2024 Progress 8 score of -0.66 indicates that academic progress in core GCSE subjects has been lower than the national average. Parents seeking a high-pressure academic hothouse may find the pace here different.

Vocational Focus: The school excels in preparing students for employment and vocational pathways. If your child is practical, interested in sport or health, and learns best through doing, this environment may suit them better than a traditional grammar or academic comprehensive.

Small Size: With only 90 students in each year group, the school offers a personal environment where it is hard to get lost. This suits students who might find large schools overwhelming.

Location: The village location is distinct from the urban centres of Hillingdon. Families should check transport links carefully, as the school serves a specific local catchment.

Harefield School offers a supportive, community-focused education in a modern setting. While its core academic metrics at GCSE currently trail the national average, it provides a safe, Good-rated environment with clear strengths in pastoral care, sport, and vocational preparation. Best suited to local families or those seeking a smaller school where students are known by name, particularly if they have an interest in healthcare or sports pathways.