Stanburn Primary School in Stanmore has been praised by Ofsted after becoming the first school in Harrow to be inspected under the new inspection framework.
The school, on Abercorn Road, was found to be at a Strong Standard for achievement, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Attendance and behaviour, along with curriculum and teaching, were found to be at the Expected Standard, while safeguarding standards were met.
The inspection took place on 7 July, with the report published on 15 September.
Pupils praised for high achievement
Inspectors noted the progress being made by children at Stanburn, saying: “Pupils make significant progress from their starting points.”
Ofsted found that pupils consistently achieve well above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities were also found to achieve highly.
The report said: “Pupils thrive at this inclusive and welcoming school.”
Inspectors added that pupils “flourish in an environment where they feel safe and included”, while leadership at the school was also praised, with Ofsted noting: “Staff morale is high.”
The school’s personal development programme, known as 5 for Five, was also mentioned. It aims to help pupils develop confidence and resilience, alongside their sense of self, community and cultural understanding.
Headteacher Elaine D’Souza said: “As the first school in Harrow to be inspected under the new framework, we are very proud that OFSTED recognised the school as being at a Strong Standard in Achievement, Early Years, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing. This is an incredible achievement for the school.
“Inspectors praised our pupils’ high achievement, with outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics consistently well above national averages, alongside our inclusive culture and extensive enrichment opportunities, including our 5 for Five programme. Most importantly, inspectors said that ‘Pupils thrive at this inclusive and welcoming school’, noting that children are proud to be part of Stanburn and flourish in an environment where they feel safe, included and valued.
“I would like to thank our incredible staff, governors, families and, most importantly, our pupils. This is a wonderful achievement for our whole school community, and I could not be prouder to be Headteacher of Stanburn Primary School.”
School has undergone a number of changes
Stanburn currently has 676 pupils and has seen several changes in recent years, including the appointment of a new headteacher and chair of governors.
A nursery for children from the age of three opened in September 2025, while the school also has specialist provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.
Ofsted set out three next steps for the school, including further evaluation of measures to improve attendance, more consistent recording and communication around positive handling incidents, and maintaining high expectations for writing across the curriculum.
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