Edison Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence through Science and Innovation

In a leafy corner of Heston where suburban London meets the busy corridors of Hounslow, Edison Primary School has rapidly established itself as a local powerhouse of primary education. Established in 2016 as a free school with a distinct focus on science and practical learning, the school has quickly moved from its inaugural years to a position of national strength.

The latest data from 2024 places the school in the top 10% of schools in England (national high band), an achievement that reflects its rigorous approach to the core curriculum. With a two-form entry structure, the school maintains a capacity of 420 pupils, offering a community-focused environment where the founding vision of igniting a passion for discovery remains at the forefront of daily life.

The atmosphere at Edison Primary is defined by its namesake. The school culture encourages pupils to think like inventors, prioritizing curiosity and evidence-based inquiry. Mrs Geraldine Valentin, who has led the school as Headteacher since September 2024, oversees a setting that feels modern and purposeful. The school's physical environment on Vicarage Farm Road is designed to support its specialist leanings, with clean, bright spaces that facilitate both quiet study and active experimentation.

The school's motto, Igniting Minds, is woven into the fabric of the building. It is not uncommon to find pupils engaged in project-based learning that extends beyond textbooks. The secular character of the school ensures a broad, inclusive appeal within the diverse Heston community, fostering a culture where kindness and collaboration are as highly valued as academic attainment.

The 2024 Key Stage 2 results tell a story of significant academic achievement. At Edison, 84% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a remarkable margin above the England average of 62%, positioning the school as a leading provider in the borough.

Edison Primary School ranks 845th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 6th among primaries in Hounslow. This performance places the school comfortably within the elite top 10% of schools in England.

The depth of learning is even more apparent in the higher standard figures. In 2024, 42% of pupils achieved the higher standard across reading, writing, and mathematics, dwarfing the England average of 8%. Scaled scores were equally impressive, with reading at 109, grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) at 110, and mathematics at 109, all significantly exceeding England benchmarks.

Teaching at Edison is characterized by high expectations and a structured approach to the National Curriculum, with a heavy emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Science is not merely a weekly lesson here; it is the lens through which much of the wider curriculum is viewed.

Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in PE and Music, but it is the investigative nature of the core subjects that stands out. In mathematics, 89% of pupils reached the expected standard, supported by a "mastery" approach that ensures no child is left behind while the more able are challenged to delve deeper into problem-solving. Writing is also a strength, with 28% of pupils achieving greater depth, supported by a curriculum that encourages technical precision alongside creative expression.

The latest Ofsted report from February 2025 awarded the school a Good rating, highlighting that pupils have very positive attitudes towards their learning. Formal observations confirm that the school has developed an ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.

Pupils from Edison typically transition to a variety of local Hounslow secondaries. Given the school's strong academic profile, a proportion of pupils successfully navigate the 11-plus for grammar schools in neighboring boroughs or secure places at high-performing local academies such as Heston Community School or Lampton School. The school provides a structured transition programme in Year 6 to help pupils manage the move to secondary environments.

Securing a place at Edison Primary School is a significant challenge for local families. For the most recent intake, the school was heavily oversubscribed, receiving 195 applications for just 60 available places. This results in a subscription proportion of 3.25, meaning there are more than three applicants for every seat in the classroom.

Admissions are coordinated through the London Borough of Hounslow. For 2026 entry, the application period opened on 1 September 2025 and will close on 15 January 2026. As a state-funded school, priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school. While the last distance offered varies, parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends, as proximity remains the primary tie-breaker.

The extracurricular life at Edison reflects its commitment to a broad, discovery-led education. The school offers a variety of clubs that change termly, often including sports such as football and netball alongside creative pursuits like the school choir and drama.

STEM: Innovation and Discovery

The school truly distinguishes itself through its STEM provision. Dedicated science weeks and regular "Edison Challenges" encourage pupils to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Facilities are used to host coding clubs and robotics workshops, ensuring that pupils are digitally literate and prepared for the technical demands of secondary education. The school frequently participates in local science competitions, fostering a healthy competitive spirit and a pride in academic inquiry.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded academy with no tuition fees. However, the school provides additional services that carry a charge. Wraparound care is managed through the Early Birds and Night Owls programmes. Early Birds (breakfast club) runs from 8:00 am to 8:45 am at a cost of £6 per day. Night Owls (after school care) is priced at £6 per hour or £12 for the full session until 5:45 pm.

Financial assistance is available through the Pupil Premium grant for eligible families. This funding is used to support educational inequalities, covering costs for school trips, uniform, and additional academic support. Families are encouraged to contact the school office to verify eligibility for free school meals, which triggers this additional support.

Pastoral care is integrated into the "Edison Way," which focuses on the holistic development of the child. The school operates a robust safeguarding culture, and the relatively small, two-form entry ensures that staff can maintain close relationships with families.

Behaviour is noted as a strength, with a clear system of rewards and sanctions that pupils understand and respect. For those requiring additional support, the SENDCO coordinates targeted interventions for pupils with Special Educational Needs, ensuring that the high-paced curriculum remains accessible to all.

The school day typically runs from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm. Edison Primary offers a Breakfast Club starting at 8:00 am and an After-School Club that runs until 5:45 pm, providing essential wraparound care for working parents. These sessions take place every day on the school premises.

The school is well-served by local transport, situated near major bus routes in Heston. Parking near the school gates is extremely limited, and the school strongly encourages walking or scooting to school as part of its healthy living initiative.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With over three applications for every place, Edison is one of the most oversubscribed schools in Hounslow. Families living outside the immediate Heston area may find it difficult to secure a place without a sibling link.
• High Academic Pace: The school's success is built on a rigorous, fast-paced curriculum. While this suits many, children who require more time to process core concepts may find the environment demanding, although the school does provide intervention support.
• STEM Focus: The science-heavy curriculum is a unique selling point, but it means that the school's identity is very specific. Parents seeking a more traditional, arts-led primary experience should weigh this focus carefully.

Edison Primary School is a modern success story, offering a high-attaining, science-focused education that consistently outperforms local and England averages. It is a school that suits academically ambitious families who value a structured, inquiry-led approach to learning. Best suited to local Heston families who want a primary school that bridges the gap between traditional standards and future-facing innovation.