JFS in Kenton has received five “Exceptional” grades following its latest inspection by Ofsted. The Jewish secondary school and sixth form, based on The Mall in Harrow, has more than 2,000 pupils and is one of the largest schools in the borough.
Inspectors visited the school on 28 April 2026 under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which no longer gives schools a single overall rating such as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’. Instead, individual areas are graded separately.
JFS received Exceptional, the highest grade available, for achievement, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision.
Attendance and behaviour and inclusion were both judged to be at Strong standard, while safeguarding standards were met.
Pupils praised for academic achievement
Ofsted highlighted the academic performance of pupils and sixth-form students, noting that GCSE and A-level attainment is consistently above national averages.
Inspectors said pupils make “remarkable progress” from their starting points and praised the way the curriculum is organised to help them develop detailed knowledge.
The report also highlighted outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, saying they make better progress and achieve significantly above national averages. Ofsted described their experience at JFS as “truly transformational”.
Curriculum and teaching was also graded Exceptional, with inspectors noting the strength of teachers’ subject knowledge and the way lessons are adapted for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school’s approach to assessment was described as “cutting edge”, with information regularly shared between pupils, teachers and parents.
Leadership and personal development rated Exceptional
School leadership and governance received the top grade, with inspectors saying leaders have high ambitions for pupils and a detailed understanding of the school and the community it serves.
Governors were also praised for providing support while challenging school leaders and holding them to account. Ofsted gave another Exceptional grade for personal development and wellbeing, describing an “astonishing programme of personal development”.
The report highlighted opportunities for pupils to take part in volunteering, clubs, trips and leadership activities, as well as careers support and education around relationships, equality and staying safe.
Sixth-form provision was also rated Exceptional. Inspectors praised the range of academic and vocational subjects available and said students are well prepared for university, employment and other routes after leaving JFS.
Strong grades for attendance and inclusion
Attendance and behaviour received a Strong standard grade.
Inspectors found that pupils generally attend regularly, arrive on time and behave well around the school, with lessons taking place in a calm environment.
Inclusion was also judged Strong. Ofsted said staff identify additional needs quickly and work closely with parents, carers and outside professionals to provide support. In its section on what life is like for pupils, Ofsted described JFS as a “highly inclusive and aspirational school”.
Inspectors said pupils feel safe and valued, with a strong sense of belonging across the school. The report added that pupils’ “achievement is superb”.
Ofsted said the next step for JFS is to continue developing its work around inclusion and attendance, with the aim of reaching and maintaining Exceptional standards in those areas too.
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