Beckenham primary school gets top Ofsted rating

A Beckenham primary school is celebrating after receiving Ofsted’s highest rating across all possible categories in its very first inspection.

Harris Primary Academy Beckenham, which is located on Manor Way, was awarded an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ and was praised for the “high-calibre, aspirational and driven leadership” of its head and the “exemplary” behaviour of its students.

The Ofsted inspection, which took place in late June, rated Harris Primary Academy Beckenham as ‘Outstanding’ in all of the following categories: Effectiveness of leadership and management; Quality of teaching, learning and assessment; Personal development, behaviour and welfare; Outcomes for pupils and Early years provision.

The report noted that “the ambitious and capable staff benefit considerably from a rich culture of continuing professional development” and that “governors are committed to the school’s ethos and are closely involved in the life of the school.

“Pupils have very positive attitudes to their learning and enjoy coming to school. Rates of attendance are high.

“Overwhelmingly, parents and carers are exceptionally positive about their children’s experience at Harris Primary Academy Beckenham. All agree that their children make excellent progress, and are safe and well cared for.”

The primary academy opened its doors in 2015 and this is the first inspection Ofsted has carried out at the school.

Beth Rigby-Drake, head of academy at Harris Primary Academy Beckenham, said: “Everybody at Harris Primary Academy Beckenham is delighted that Ofsted has acknowledged us as being an ‘Outstanding’ academy. Our ethos is that all children can achieve, and it is fantastic that we now have the recognition from Ofsted that we are achieving this goal.

“I am particularly proud of the comments about the excellent teaching, learning and safeguarding that takes place in our school as well as their recognition of the high aspirations that we have for all of our pupils. This is a real credit to our children and our hard working staff.”