Oaklands Primary Academy in Biggin Hill has been praised by Ofsted for rapid improvements, with inspectors finding pupils now “thoroughly enjoy school” and feel “safe and secure”.
The school, in Oaklands Lane, was inspected on 9 September. The report said leaders and trustees had “acted swiftly to bring about rapid change since the last inspection”, including improvements to teaching, policies and school systems.
Inspectors said: “Leaders have successfully changed the culture and ethos of the school and created an environment that staff, pupils and families are proud to be part of.”
The school, which has 423 pupils and is part of Chancery Education Trust, received the expected standard for curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. Safeguarding standards were also found to be met.
Ofsted said pupils now benefit from an “ambitious curriculum” designed to build their knowledge, skills and vocabulary, with teachers praised for explaining learning clearly and identifying misconceptions.
Inspectors found previous weaknesses in the curriculum had left some pupils with gaps in their knowledge, but said leaders were continuing to address them. The report said: “Pupils enjoy their learning and are making progress.”
Early years provision was described as an “exciting, stimulating and happy environment”, where children enjoy a rich curriculum and are encouraged to develop communication and social skills. Inspectors highlighted an example in which nursery pupils learn the concept of ‘down’ through the song Incy Wincy Spider, while books, stories and rhymes are used to encourage a love of reading.
The school was also praised for its support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Its additionally resourced provision caters for 26 pupils with autism, with staff using approaches including Makaton and other communication systems to help children express their learning and understanding.
Ofsted said pupils with barriers to learning or vulnerabilities are “nurtured and supported effectively”, while disadvantaged pupils benefit from additional funding, trained staff and wider enrichment.
The school’s pastoral support includes a nurture breakfast for pupils who experience anxiety about coming into school, alongside targeted therapies and time with its therapy dog.
Inspectors also highlighted pupils taking on responsibilities around the school, including wellbeing, eco and Makaton ambassador roles.
However, Ofsted found that achievement still “needs attention”, as too many pupils are not reaching nationally expected standards by the end of key stage 2. In 2024/25, 40 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard across reading, writing and mathematics, compared with 62 per cent nationally. Among disadvantaged pupils, the figure was 15 per cent, compared with a national average of 47 per cent for disadvantaged pupils.
Inspectors said: “Pupils’ achievement historically and over time has been below national expectations, and it still is.”
But the report added that work carried out over the past two years was having a “beneficial impact”, with improvements in early years and Year 1 phonics outcomes.
Attendance and behaviour was the other area judged as needing attention. Overall absence stood at 7.6 per cent in 2024/25, compared with 5.2 per cent nationally, while 24.9 per cent of pupils were persistently absent, almost double the national figure of 13 per cent.
Ofsted said leaders had introduced “robust tracking and monitoring procedures” and were working with families and outside specialists, with recent figures showing improvements.
Despite the attendance concerns, inspectors described classrooms as “calm and purposeful”, with pupils engaged in their learning. They said bullying was rare and dealt with quickly, while children were confident staff would address any worries they had.
Ofsted said: “In every aspect of school life, pupils benefit from the rapid improvements leaders have made since the last inspection.
“Pupils thoroughly enjoy school. They feel safe and secure and are excited about their learning.”
Inspectors said the school’s next steps should include continuing work to reduce persistent absence, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders were also told to continue addressing gaps in learning so achievement moves closer to national outcomes and to further develop pupils’ speaking and communication skills across the curriculum.
The school is led by head of school James Robinson, while executive headteacher Julie Davis oversees its running. Ofsted said staff were “proud to work at the school” and highly positive about the changes made by its leadership team.
The report comes on the same day that a Bow primary school was rated exceptional in all six Ofsted areas. North London schools also appeared prominently in the latest GCSE league tables.
