Newnham Junior School opened in 1952 and remains a cornerstone of the Eastcote community, occupying a site adjacent to Newnham Infant School. The school received an Outstanding grading in March 2024, reflecting standards that consistently exceed both local authority and England averages. In 2024, 88% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 511th in England, placing it in the top 3% of primary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Among the three-form entry pupils aged seven to eleven, the school has earned significant recognition for both academic achievement and sporting and musical accomplishments across Hillingdon Borough and beyond.
Located on a quiet road in Eastcote, minutes from the tube and bus routes, Newnham occupies a welcoming campus where three-form entry means approximately 360 pupils develop genuine friendships across year groups. The school's motto, Non Progredi Est Regredi (To not go forwards is to go backwards), captures the relentless focus on progress that defines the school. It is not merely a slogan; every element of school life reflects this commitment to forward momentum.
The school occupies a distinctive setting: both the Junior and Infant schools share the Newnham Avenue site, allowing seamless transitions at Year 3. The Junior School building itself provides bright, well-equipped classrooms alongside specialist spaces including a dedicated music room where practical musicmaking happens daily. Outdoors, grassed areas and nearby facilities at Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre extend learning beyond the classroom.
Mr Neil Wilkey leads the school as Headteacher, having taken the position in September 2022 following the tenure of Kulvinder Nahal. His vision emphasises the five learning attitudes pupils are expected to develop: resilience, respect, resourcefulness, responsibility, and reflection. Parents and staff alike speak of excellent relationships, a clear expectation that every pupil will strive for achievement irrespective of background, and a genuine positive environment where everyone's contribution is valued.
In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessment (2024), 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with an average scaled score of 109, well above the England average of 100. Writing performance was equally strong at 90% meeting expected standards, with the school continuing to see pupils gain fluency and confidence.
Mathematics results show sustained excellence, with 91% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 110. The consistency across all three areas reflects both subject expertise among teaching staff and structural support for learning.
In this assessment area, 90% of pupils reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 111, the highest across all domains measured. This breadth of attainment indicates rigorous, systematic teaching that embeds fundamental skills.
40% of pupils achieved the higher standard across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This concentration of advanced learners reflects both selective intake mechanisms and the school's capacity to stretch ambition.
The school ranks 3rd in Hillingdon for primary outcomes and occupies the national elite tier, placing it in the top 3% of schools in England (FindMySchool data). Some results, according to the school's own statement, place it within the top 20% nationally.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
88.33%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teaching is structured and purposeful. Teachers routinely check that pupils' knowledge is firmly embedded, with regular formative assessment shaping next steps. The curriculum is rich and ambitious, balancing the statutory National Curriculum with enrichment opportunities that extend learning.
Science is taught with emphasis on practical enquiry. Pupils are encouraged to ask their own questions about what they observe and engage in genuine scientific investigation, moving beyond rote learning. By upper Key Stage 2, pupils understand the scientific method and can frame hypotheses.
Literacy is taught systematically. Reading instruction emphasises both phonetic decoding (particularly in lower years) and comprehension strategies, with evidence that pupils gain fluency quickly. A love of reading is evident; the school supports this through regular library time and book-focused activities.
Mathematics teaching is similarly structured, with fluency in calculation leading to conceptual understanding and problem-solving applications. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 4, allowing pupils to work at appropriate levels of challenge and pace.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
The extracurricular provision is notably comprehensive, with clubs reviewed and adjusted termly to meet pupil interest and staff capacity.
Music is described as a thriving subject, with weekly lessons in the well-resourced music room emphasising practical musicmaking. All pupils learn to read music through structured theory lessons alongside hands-on learning of recorders and tuned percussion. Additional enrichment clubs build on this foundation.
Lower School Choir (Years 3 and 4) runs on Mondays during school, allowing younger pupils entry to singing. Upper School Choir (Years 5 and 6) meets on Tuesdays, offering more advanced vocal training. The O2 Choir, a special distinction for Year 6 pupils, suggests elite recognition.
Instrumental learners progress through an extensive options menu. Ukulele is taught to Years 4-6 on Thursday mornings during school time. Guitar club (Years 3-6) runs Friday afternoons. Band provision appears integrated into the music programme, supporting ensemble work. The school records a biennial CD, allowing pupils to review their own musicmaking and building a record of achievement.
Specialist musical theatre emerges as a named club, running Friday afternoons for Years 3-6, offering pupils experience in performance, staging, and ensemble singing beyond the standard curriculum. This suggests the school invests in dramatic presentation and theatrical skill alongside concert work.
Speak Up Drama (Years 3-6) runs Tuesdays and develops verbal confidence and performance skills. This sits alongside the curriculum's annual Christmas nativity and form-based dramatic activities, which together suggest drama is woven throughout the year rather than confined to one production.
The sports programme combines compulsory physical education with optional clubs catering to multiple interests. Netball is offered as a competitive team sport across year groups (Monday and Thursday after school, plus Wednesday for Year 6). Football provision splits by year group and gender: PSD Girls Football (Years 3-6, Tuesday), PSD Football (Years 3-4, Wednesday; Years 5-6, Thursday after school).
Street Dance (Years 3-6, Wednesday) brings contemporary movement alongside traditional sports. Gymnastics (Years 3-6, Thursday) develops body awareness and strength. Tennis (Years 3-6, Thursday) is offered as a racquet sport. Basketball (Years 4-6, Monday) rounds out ball sports. Dodgeball clubs (Years 5-6 Friday morning, Years 3-4 Friday afternoon) add variety.
Superstar Sports (Years 3-6) runs on Mondays and Fridays, suggesting a multi-activity, development-focused programme for pupils seeking exposure to several sports.
Beyond school, pupils visit Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre for adventure activities. Year 5 undertakes a one-night residential trip combining outdoor learning with teamwork development and completion of a Young Leaders award.
Art is offered both in class and as an after-school club. Rain Art Studio (Years 3-4, Tuesday) suggests nature-inspired creative work. The dedicated Art club runs on Wednesdays. These offerings encourage pupils to explore creative and technical skills through varied forms.
Calligraphy Club (Years 5-6, Tuesday) brings a specialist writing skill, likely appealing to pupils with meticulous interests.
Creative Tech (Years 3-6) runs Mondays and Tuesdays, suggesting integration of digital tools with design and making.
Reading Club (Years 3-6, Tuesdays) extends literacy beyond formal lessons. Reading Eggs Club (Years 3-4, Thursday morning) uses gamified reading development.
Film Club runs during school time with separate sessions for Years 3 (Friday) and Year 4 (Wednesday), offering media literacy and film discussion.
Drawing Club (Years 3-4, Thursday morning) supports fine motor control and artistic observation.
Cooking Club (Year 4, Wednesday) brings practical life skills alongside mathematical and scientific learning.
Breakfast Club runs in-house from 7:45am daily, with supervision by school staff and a qualified First Aider present. Pupils are offered a nutritious breakfast and games before being in class by the start of the day.
Active Early Years Academy provides after-school care from 3-6pm, Monday to Friday during term time, run by Sarah Paterson (degree-qualified childminder with 14 years' experience). This is held on site in the Infant mobile classroom.
Admissions to Year 3 Reception are coordinated through the Hillingdon Local Authority admissions process. As a state community school, Newnham Junior is not selective; pupils enter on the basis of local admissions criteria without entrance examination.
Progression from Newnham Infant School to the Junior School is natural and expected, with the two schools working closely. The vast majority of Year 2 pupils from the Infant School transition directly to Year 3 of the Junior School, minimising disruption and allowing continuation of relationships and learning approaches.
Pupils joining from other primaries in the area are accommodated, though the natural vertical progression means external entry at Year 3 is limited.
The school and adjacent infant provision ensure minimal transition disruption; pupils aged three to eleven can access both settings within a unified campus.
The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast Club is available from 7:45am for families needing early supervision.
After-school provision includes both Active Early Years Academy (3-6pm term time, on-site) and a wide range of optional clubs running after school on designated days. Most clubs are run by school staff and reviewed termly; some staff volunteer their time to expand the menu of activities.
The school is located on a quiet road in Eastcote, a short walk from both the Eastcote underground station and local bus routes, making it accessible for families across Hillingdon without relying on car use.
Transport is a key strength: pupils from further afield can use public transport, and the school's position adjacent to major routes removes the pressure on parental school runs that affects some primaries requiring car access.
The school's approach to pastoral care centres on relationship and consistency. Each child develops familiarity with class teachers, teaching assistants, and a broader staff body across the school. The stated focus on creating "a happy, safe and caring environment" is evidenced in practices around behaviour, safeguarding, and emotional wellbeing.
Behaviour expectations are clear and positively framed around the five learning attitudes. Pupils are highly motivated, courteous, and kind. The school has created an open and positive culture around safeguarding, with staff trained and alert to wellbeing concerns.
Pupils with special educational needs receive support coordinated by the SENCo. At present, approximately 18% of pupils have identified SEND, receiving graduated support from class teacher differentiation through to specific intervention programmes. SEND pupils are nearly always fully included in ambitious learning.
A trained counsellor visits the school weekly, providing targeted emotional support for pupils identified as needing it beyond what class staff can offer.
Academic breadth within selection bias. While results are outstanding and the school is oversubscribed, the concentration of higher-attaining pupils may mean the school is not the right fit for families with pupils who have significant learning differences or profound support needs. The school serves pupils across a range of abilities, but the overall achievement data reflects an intake skewed toward the higher end.
Transition expectations. Pupils joining from infant school experience seamless progression. For families new to Newnham at Year 3 from other primaries, class composition is already well-established; the school is not designed for large external intake and integration at this point is more gradual.
Catchment and distance. As a popular school, demand for places is high. While there is no formal published catchment boundary, families should verify with Hillingdon Local Authority that their address is within reasonable distance before assuming a place is likely.
Extended school day. The breadth of clubs means the school day effectively extends considerably for many pupils. Families preferring a more contained school day with minimal wrap-around provision may find the culture of activity-rich afternoons demanding.
Newnham Junior School delivers exceptional primary education, combining outstanding academic results with a rich extracurricular offer and a genuine commitment to developing resilient, respectful learners. The school's location in Eastcote, integration with the infant school, and strong pastoral culture make it an attractive choice for families seeking a nurturing environment with uncompromising academic ambition.
Results place the school among the highest-performing primaries in England. Beyond grades, the atmosphere is purposeful but not pressured; pupils are encouraged to stretch themselves while feeling secure and valued. Music and sports are particular strengths, with named clubs and regular external performance and competition.
Best suited to families living within accessible distance of Eastcote who want their children challenged academically and offered abundant opportunities to pursue interests from art to sport to music. The main caveat is competition for places; popularity means securing entry requires careful attention to admissions timelines and local authority procedures.
Yes. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024. In 2024 KS2 assessments, 88% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. The school ranks 3rd in Hillingdon and in the top 3% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). Pupils demonstrate high motivation and courtesy, with strong progress from their starting points.
In 2024, 90% reached the expected standard in reading (England: 66%), 91% in mathematics (England: 71%), and 90% in writing. Average scaled scores were 109 in reading, 110 in mathematics, and 111 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, all well above the standard of 100. 40% achieved the higher standard across all three areas, compared to the England average of 8%.
Applications for Year 3 are made through Hillingdon Local Authority's coordinated admissions process. The school is not selective and uses standard local authority criteria. Families should contact Hillingdon to understand admissions timelines and ensure their address qualifies within admissions arrangements. Natural progression from Newnham Infant School is the main entry point; external applications are accommodated where capacity allows.
The school offers extensive clubs reviewed termly, including music (choir, ukulele, guitar, band, musical theatre), sports (netball, football, street dance, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, dodgeball), drama, art, creative technology, calligraphy, film, reading, and cooking. Most clubs run before, during, or after school. Breakfast Club opens from 7:45am, and Active Early Years Academy provides after-school care from 3-6pm during term time.
Yes. Breakfast Club runs daily from 7:45am, with pupils supervised by school staff and offered a nutritious breakfast before being in class by 8:50am. Active Early Years Academy (run by Sarah Paterson) offers after-school care from 3-6pm, Monday to Friday during term time, held on-site in the Infant mobile classroom. Contact the school for fees and booking details.
Teaching is structured and rigorous, with regular assessment to ensure knowledge is embedded. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, covering reading, writing, mathematics, science, and the full range of National Curriculum subjects. Music is taught weekly in the school's music room, with emphasis on practical learning and performance opportunities. Science uses hands-on investigation to develop enquiry skills. Literacy and numeracy are taught systematically with clear progression.
Approximately 18% of pupils have identified SEND. The school provides graduated support from class teacher differentiation through to coordinated intervention programmes led by the SENCo. A trained counsellor visits weekly. Pupils with SEND are nearly always fully included in ambitious learning. Families with pupils requiring specialist provision should contact the school to discuss individual needs.
The school is popular and oversubscribed. Places are allocated through Hillingdon Local Authority admissions, with standard criteria applied (not selective entry). Families should verify with the local authority that their address falls within admissions catchment, as no formal published catchment boundary exists. The majority of Year 2 pupils from Newnham Infant School transition directly to Year 3; external places are limited.
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