Presented to the UK Primary School that has made outstanding progress in the management of its facilities, finances and human resources and can demonstrate an increase in the educational performance of the school.
2026 Winner: Wootton Primary School, Northamptonshire
Wootton Primary School has demonstrated clear progress and strengthened its provision for pupils, as recognised in its most recent Ofsted inspection on 17 June 2025.
Inspectors judged the school Outstanding across all five key inspection areas — including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — highlighting a truly exceptional standard of education and care. This represents a significant milestone in the school’s development and marks substantial improvement from earlier judgments over the past decade.
An ambitious, well-structured curriculum enables academic and social success . A recent inspection detailed how pupils demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, excellent behaviour and a deep sense of respect for others. Community feedback reflects high levels of parental satisfaction.
Commended
Thomas Jones Primary School, London
Thomas Jones Primary School in London (a state-funded community primary on St Mark’s Road, Kensington & Chelsea) has a strong record of improvement and sustained excellence that demonstrates the impact of focused leadership and high academic standards. In its most recent full inspection in October 2023, Ofsted awarded the school Outstanding in every category — including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership — reflecting marked progress and consistently high performance across the board. This continues a history of top-tier outcomes, building on previous Outstanding inspections, and highlights a deepening culture of achievement and care.
Academic results further illustrate this improvement. In national key stage assessments, a high proportion of pupils met and exceeded expected standards in reading, writing, mathematics and grammar, punctuation and spelling, consistently outpacing both local and national averages. This strong performance places Thomas Jones among the top primary schools nationally for academic attainment and progress.
Beyond test results, the school emphasises a rich and broad curriculum, characterized by deep reading, oracy and intellectual engagement, which supports pupils’ holistic development. Attendance is high, behaviour is exemplary, and the school culture nurtures confident, articulate learners.
St Charles’ RC Primary School, Newcastle
St Charles’ Catholic Primary School is a well-regarded state-funded primary school located on Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 3HE. It caters for children aged 3 to 11 and emphasizes a supportive and inclusive learning community rooted in strong Catholic values. The school forms part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, which supports high-quality education across its member schools.
Pupils at St Charles’ benefit from a carefully planned curriculum that ensures they develop essential skills across subjects while also fostering personal growth and strong moral values. Inspection data and performance records show that the school has maintained a Good rating, highlighting consistent quality in teaching, pupil behaviour and overall educational provision. This reflects the school’s commitment to setting high expectations for all learners and supporting them to succeed academically and socially.
The school is proud of its vibrant community life, with opportunities for pupils to take responsibility through roles such as safety ambassadors, and to engage in activities that promote caring for others and the environment. Participation in events and projects helps pupils build confidence, collaboration and leadership skills.
Goldsmith Primary Academy, West Midlands
Goldsmith Primary Academy in Walsall has recently achieved outstanding recognition under Ofsted’s new School Report Card framework, reflecting the school’s strong culture of high expectations and pupil support. In the inspection carried out in November 2025, the academy was awarded the highest “Exceptional” grade in three key areas: Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing, making it one of a very small number of primary schools nationally to earn these distinctions. In all other evaluated areas, including Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, and Early Years, Goldsmith was judged to be operating at the Strong Standard, indicating practice well above the expected benchmark. Safeguarding was also confirmed as meeting stringent requirements, ensuring robust protection and welfare for pupils.
Inspectors described the school as an “oasis of calm and kindness,” with pupils who are proud of their school and well prepared for future learning. The report highlighted the leadership’s “unwavering determination to give every pupil the best possible start,” and noted exemplary behaviour and strong emotional resilience among pupils. This success continues the academy’s upward trajectory from its earlier Good judgement in the 2022 inspection and reflects the impact of high-quality teaching, a rich curriculum, and a supportive community ethos.
Earley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, Berkshire
Earley St Peter’s Church of England Primary School is a well-established state-funded primary school serving children aged 3 to 11 on Church Road in Earley, Reading, Berkshire. The school forms part of The Keys Academy Trust, a group of schools working together to raise standards and provide high-quality education and pastoral support across the region.
Historically, inspectors have recognised the school as Good, with the most recent full Ofsted inspection dated 22 October 2021 maintaining that judgement. Although Ofsted no longer publishes a single overall effectiveness grade for all state-funded schools under its new reporting framework, earlier reports highlighted strong outcomes across key areas and a safe, supportive environment for pupils.
The school places particular emphasis on pupil wellbeing, inclusive learning and personal development alongside academic progress. Pupils are described as engaged and confident, benefiting from a curriculum designed to build solid foundations for future learning. Behaviour and attitudes are positive, and the school’s caring ethos helps pupils feel safe and respected.
St Peter’s also recently received positive feedback from its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), underscoring its effective Christian distinctiveness and community focus.
Stanhope Primary School, London
Stanhope Primary School is a well-regarded state primary school located on Mansell Road in Greenford, London Borough of Ealing. It serves children aged 2 to 11 and is a community school with a mixed intake, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment. The school's most recent full Ofsted inspection was on 19 September 2023, under the previous framework, and it was judged Good overall, with particularly strong outcomes in several key areas. Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes were graded Outstanding, as was personal development and early years provision, reflecting exceptionally calm, positive conduct and an environment where children thrive and feel safe. Leadership and management were judged Good, with inspectors praising the quality of education being delivered.
The school’s progress journey over recent inspections shows sustained improvement, building on earlier ratings and consistent strengths in pupils’ achievement and personal development. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, and pupils are described as happy and excited to learn, with adults providing effective support, particularly for pupils with additional needs.
Academic performance indicators show that pupils at Stanhope perform above local and national averages in key assessments such as phonics and early years development, demonstrating strong outcomes across ages.
The Downs Primary School and Nursery, Essex
The Downs Primary School and Nursery in Harlow, Essex has made a notable improvement journey in recent years, demonstrating the impact of focused leadership and supportive teaching practice. In its latest inspection by Ofsted on 20–21 May 2025, the school was judged Good in all main areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This outcome marks a clear step forward from its previous inspection in January 2023, when several areas were judged Requires Improvement under the earlier framework.
Inspectors highlighted that the school’s curriculum is now “coherently planned” and delivered by teachers with secure subject knowledge, ensuring pupils build robust foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. Frequent opportunities for revisiting prior learning were noted as helping pupils consolidate knowledge effectively. Ofsted also recognised strengths in personal development and the provision of enriching experiences beyond the classroom, such as leadership roles for pupils and community visits, which contribute to a well-rounded education.
Parents’ own feedback shows high levels of satisfaction with the school’s commitment to safety, behaviour and communication with families, reflecting broader comm >
Nishkam Primary School, Wolverhampton
Nishkam Primary School Wolverhampton is a state-funded primary school serving children aged 4 to 11 on Great Brickkiln Street in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. It opened in 2013 and forms part of the Nishkam Schools Multi Academy Trust, a group of schools with a virtues-led educational ethos. The school combines a strong focus on academic progress with character development grounded in respect, responsibility and community values.
In its most recent Ofsted inspection on 10–11 June 2025, inspectors noted that the school’s work “may have improved significantly across all areas” since its previous graded inspection, giving confidence that leadership and teaching quality are strengthening and that pupils benefit from increasingly effective teaching and learning. This positive assessment has led Ofsted to plan a full graded inspection in due course. Classrooms were described as calm and purposeful, pupils as confident and respectful, and early reading provision as a notable strength due to well-trained staff and consistent teaching.
Performance data also shows strong attainment and progress, particularly at Key Stage 2, where a high proportion of pupils meet the expected standards compared with local and national averages.
The school’s inclusive environment reflects its commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse pupil body, with many pupils studying English as an additional language and a sensitive approach to supporting individual progress.
2025 Winner: West Thornton Primary School, London
In February 2020, West Thornton received an 'Inadequate' rating from Ofsted, leading to its closure and subsequent reopening under the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust. By October 2024, the school's significant transformation saw it achieve 'Outstanding' ratings in Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision, with a 'Good' rating for Quality of Education. Inspectors highlighted the school's ambitious curriculum, exceptional leadership, and the positive impact of the trust's support. This swift turnaround underscores the dedication of staff and leadership to fostering an environment where pupils thrive both academically and personally.
Commended
St Agnes Academy, Cornwall
In May 2024, St Agnes Academy in Cornwall achieved an 'Outstanding' rating across all categories in its Ofsted inspection, reflecting significant improvements since its previous 'Good' rating in 2018. This highlighted the school's highly effective and ambitious curriculum, particularly in reading and mathematics, where early mastery of letters, sounds, and numbers is emphasised. The enrichment programme extends beyond academics, fostering local, regional, and global citizenship among pupils. The school's inclusive environment ensures that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully integrated into all aspects of school life.
Gilberdyke Primary School, East Yorkshire
A remarkable turnaround at Gilberdyke reflects the dedication of the school's leadership and staff to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment. The school's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence has been pivotal in achieving an 'Outstanding' rating in all categories during last years' Ofsted inspection, a significant improvement from its 'Requires Improvement' status in September 2021. Serving approximately 196 pupils aged 3 to 11, Gilberdyke Primary School continues to uphold its mission of enabling every child to thrive and shine.
Newington Green Primary School, London
In July 2024, Newington Green Primary School in London achieved an 'Outstanding' rating in all areas during its Ofsted inspection, marking the first time in its 30-year history to receive such a distinction. The inspection highlighted the school's ambitious, broad, and exciting curriculum, which effectively helps pupils build deep knowledge across subjects. Staff demonstrate exceptional subject knowledge, delivering the curriculum with consistency and rigor. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), benefit from a great education that prepares them exceptionally well for their future lives. Consequently, pupils' attainment at the end of Year 6 is significantly above average. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the staff, students, and families, solidifying the school's reputation for excellence.
Stanmore Primary School, Hampshire
Stanmore Primary School in Hampshire has demonstrated commendable progress in recent years. Between 2018 and 2019, the school saw a significant improvement in student attainment. In Reading, the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard increased by 18%, reaching 65%, while those achieving the higher standard rose by 6% to 17%. Writing attainment improved by 14%, with 75% meeting the expected standard, and a 2% increase to 13% achieving the higher standard. Mathematics saw a remarkable 29% rise, with 71% meeting the expected standard, and a 12% increase to 19% achieving the higher standard. These advancements reflect the school's dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Medlock Valley Primary School, Greater Manchester
Medlock Valley has demonstrated significant progress in recent years. In February 2024, Ofsted rated the school as 'Good' across all categories, highlighting the positive atmosphere where pupils are happy and respectful towards others. The report commended the school's broad and ambitious curriculum, effective support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the prioritisation of early reading, ensuring pupils receive necessary support to become fluent readers. Additionally, the school has been praised for fostering a happy and supportive environment, contributing to its positive reputation within the community. These accomplishments underscore Medlock Valley Primary School's unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its students.
2024 Winner: Our Lady and Saint Benedict Catholic Academy
Strong relationships between pupils, their families and staff have helped Our Lady and St Benedict Catholic Academy, part of The Newman Catholic Collegiate, to move from Requires Improvement in 2019 to Outstanding in its latest Ofsted inspection last November. Led by headteacher Sarah Clowes, the rapid progress has been attributed in part to prioritising reading, with pupils able to use vocabulary with precision and great confidence. Opportunities to benefit from outdoor learning are provided to all pupils, including those with SEND.
Commended
Great Bentley Primary School, Essex
Christ Church Primary School, London
St Giles Church of England Primary School, Shropshire
Kirton Primary School, Lincolnshire
High Street Primary Academy, Shropshire
2023 Winner: Christopher Hatton Primary School
A well-devised curriculum delivered by passionate teachers and a wide range of high-quality enrichment are among many reasons ‘Hattoneers’ continue to receive an outstanding education. Announcing her retirement earlier this year, head Gwen Lee will leave the school in an extremely strong position.
Commended
Kirton Primary School, Lincolnshire
St Luke's Church of England Primary School, London
Addingham Primary School, Bradford
Thornbury Leadership Academy, Bradford
Croftway Academy, Northumberland
2022 Winner
St Francis Catholic and Church of England Primary Academy, Isle of Wight
Commended
Withinfields Primary School, Halifax
Salfords Primary School, Surrey
Chesterton Primary, Staffordshire
De Beauvoir Primary School, London
2021 Winner
Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School, Gloucestershire
With just over one hundred children or roll, Eldersfield puts a range of experience based learning opportunities to good use in order to meet the needs of pupils. It has adopted the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development as a key curriculum driver, which gives a real context to the children’s learning and will enable them to make informed decisions as they move through life. After school clubs cover a range of sports and physical activities ads well as helping pupils with real-life experiences. 100% of pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.
Commended
Hogsthorpe Primary Academy, Lincolnshire
Great Tew County Primary School, Oxfordshire
Ashurst CofE Primary School, West Sussex
Carsington and Hopton Primary School, Derbyshire
2020 Winner
Perry Court E-ACT Academy, Bristol
In 2017, Perry Court was the worst performing school in Bristol and placed in the bottom 1% of the country’s primary schools. A dramatic turnaround now sees Perry Court ranked in the top 1% of schools nationally for both attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics, a particularly impressive achievement given that half of all pupils at the academy are from disadvantaged backgrounds. A new academy building costing over £9m is scheduled for completion in May 2022 and will provide a further 630 primary places.
Commended
New Park Primary Academy, North Yorkshire
Stowting Church of England Primary, Kent
Clore Shalom Primary, Herfordshire
Elaine Primary, Kent
2019 Winner
Outwood Primary Academy Ledger Lane, Wakefield
Outwood Primary Academy Ledger Lane converted in December 2012 after two consecutive Ofsted inspections rated the former school as ‘Requires Improvement’. A two-day inspection in April 2019 found the Academy Outstanding in all five areas. Leaders at the school are said to be ‘uncompromising in their determination to continually improve pupils’ outcomes.’
Commended
Kirton Primary School, Lincolnshire
Investments in the curriculum and staff training have helped to transform outcomes at Kirton Primary. From failing to meet floor standards in 2014, the school is now in the top three per cent of schools in England for progress and in the top one per cent for progress for disadvantaged children. In 2018, academic progress placed the school 105th out of 14,749 primary schools in England.
Heatherbrook Primary Academy, Leicester
Re-opening in 2017 after the Learning without Limits Academy Trust took over the former primary school, a dramatic improvement in results has taken place at Heatherbrook. The Raising Aspirations programme aims to reduce cultural deficits which exist in schools with high levels of deprivation, by giving pupils chances to experience new opportunities in the curriculum.
Queen’s Park Primary School, London
Queen’s Park takes a creative approach to curriculum design, along with a focus on wellbeing and mental health. Investments in staff training have allowed the school to take on roles such as a school counselling service, coaching and mentoring and pastoral leadership. This has given parents and carers an opportunity to deliver shared support.
St Bede’s RC Primary School, Teesside
Excellent performance by year 6 pupils in the new key stage 2 Sats last year propelled St Bede’s from 24th in last year’s Sunday Times Parent Power table to joint fourth this year. With an outstanding rating from Ofsted, the Catholic voluntary academy has also received praised for its close work with parents and the wider community.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, Yorkshire
St Wilfrid’s was placed in the top 10 per cent of all schools nationally having maintained pupil’s attainment at both expected and higher standards at Key Stage 2 in reading, writing and maths. Head of School Delia Evans has led on making significant improvements to teaching and learning and is working with the senior team to develop a strong curriculum model.
2018 Winner
Ernesettle Community School
For the last three academic years, attainment figures put Ernesettle Community School in the top 1000 schools nationally overall and the top 100 schools for disadvantaged pupils’. Extended Schools provision, subsidised educational trips and the continued appointment of a Family Support Advisor all help to improve the life chances of its pupils.
Commended
Deighton Primary School, Gwent
Stalham Academy, Norfolk
Surrey Square Primary School, London
Queen's Park Primary School, London
Parklands Primary School, Leeds
2017 Winner
Woodside Primary Academy, London
Woodside was put into special measures by Ofsted in 2012, but changes made under headteacher Shane Tewes involved parents and pupils, and a remarkable turnaround now sees the school rated Outstanding. In 2015, the school was in the top one per cent of schools in the country for the rate of pupil progress.
Commended
Crosthwaite Church of England Primary School
Ravens Academy
Ridgeway Primary Academy, Tyne & Wear
Barnsole Primary School, Kent
The Brent Primary School, Kent
2016 Winner
Moreland Primary School, London
Moreland Primary School has beaten off criticism by the inspectorate from 2013 which saw the school gain a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating, to achieve it’s first ever ‘Good’ rating. The school was particularly praised for producing ‘exciting lessons’ and pupils achieving well. The school now moves to a new building on the same sight with an exciting future in store.
Commended
Ark Bentworth Primary Academy, London
Burton Primary, Dorset
Cotsford Junior School, Durham
Harris Primary Academy, Kent
2015 Winner
Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park, London
Since the Harris Federation took over Colraine Park Primary in 2012, the Tottenham school’s journey has taken a path from special measures to ‘Outstanding’ in just two years. The DfE rated it as the top sponsored primary Academy in the country for progress made by pupils between the ages of 7 and 11.
Commended
Eversely Primary School, London
Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Middlesex
Wolverton Primary School, Warwick
Hampden Gurney CofE Primary School, London