Southfield Primary School Rated as Being Outstanding

First time in the school's history that it has received top grading in all areas

Involving the children in performance is central to the Head Teacher's vision for the school

July 9, 2023

Southfield Primary School is celebrating after receiving an Outstanding rating in all areas following their recent Ofsted inspection.

It is the first time in the school’s history, that it has been awarded an outstanding grading in all areas and is one of the only schools in the local area to do so under the new rigorous 2019 inspection regime.

The inspectors, who visited in May of this year, were impressed with the transformation since the appointment of the Headmaster Dr. Darren Jones in September 2019. Southfield is now ranked as the number one school in the Ealing Borough for end of KS1 and KS2 SATs results and is regularly listed in the top 20% of schools nationally for achievement.

The bespoke story knowledge-based curriculum in which pupils receive specialist teaching in PE, Art, Music, Computing and the Performing Arts, was described by Ofsted as “an extremely ambitious curriculum which frequently extends beyond what is expected nationally.”

The approach has also received national attention with accreditations from the Historical and Geographical Associations.

The school was also commended for its outstanding personal development stating that ‘Pupils thrive at Southfield and behaviour and relationships are exceptional’.

Pupils take part in educational visits including to Holland Park Open Air Opera and trips to National Theatre performances. They participate in performances such as Year 4 rendition of Wind in the Willows, Year 5 Midsummer Night’s Dream and Year 6 Joseph and the Technicolour Dream Coat and children from Reception to Year 6 are fully immersed in the works of Shakespeare culminating in a high quality Shakespeare Day to celebrate his birthday in April.

Dr Jones said after the announcement, “I am thrilled to receive external validation for the significant and substantial improvement work carried out under my new vision as Headmaster over the last four years and to achieve the goal myself and governors set to make Southfield the most incredible place for children to learn, grow and develop.”

Emma Sharpe, who is both a parent and governor stated, “Parents are thrilled at the extensive offer of both the academic and personal development children receive. Southfield is a hub of creativity and excitement.”

Deputy Head Girl, Grace said, “My favourite thing about Southfield is the amazing curriculum and enrichment we are provided. All the great trips we have been on help me to understand the curriculum we have been learning, for example, the Royals Courts of Justice supported our learning of The Suffragettes and The Houses of Parliament supported our learning on law. Southfield has been a fantastic place to go to school and I will miss it so much. Personal development is outstanding at this school. We have so many opportunities to support other pupils for example partner reading and helping in Reception. We also have lots of opportunities to have leadership roles such as eco warriors, school pantry team, the school enterprise team, school council and head boy and head girl and house captains.”

Harrison, who is Deputy Head Boy added, “‘I have really enjoyed the school performances. It is great for every child to have the opportunity to put on a show for other children and for parents. Going to the Isle of Wight allowed me fantastic opportunities to grow as a person and I loved trying so many new things like abseiling. I am really going to miss this school because during my time at Southfield I have been prepared very well for the next stage of our education.”

Rob Huxford, a parent and Chair of Governors stated that, ‘Under the leadership of Dr Jones, and with the hard work and dedication of the teachers, staff and governing body, Southfield has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Our drive has always been for the school to be a fantastic environment for local children to learn and thrive, I couldn’t be more delighted for everyone involved.”

Southfield Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed, Opposition Education Spokesperson said, “Congratulations to the school’s headmaster Dr Jones, his team and all the pupils. In an increasingly difficult educational environment, it is a great achievement to be an outstanding' school.”