Choosing the right school is a crucial decision for any parent, as it lays the foundation for a child’s educational journey. North West London is home to some of the finest state schools in the UK, offering excellent academic standards, a supportive environment and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
As one of the leading removal companies in North West London, we’ve found just a few of the best schools in the area and investigated what makes them special using data from Snobe, Ofsted and the schools’ own websites.
Best primary schools in North West London
Below are a few of the excellent primary schools across North West London.
The Orion Primary School
The Orion Primary School is a coeducational school for pupils aged 2-11, located in Barnet. There are currently around 960 students with a student to teacher ratio of 19:1. The most recent Ofsted report, from April 2024, found the school to be Outstanding in every category, including quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management.
The Orion Primary School has retained its overall Outstanding rating since 2020. The Ofsted report notes that “Pupils are happy and proud to attend this school. They receive a high-quality education and achieve extremely well.”.
On the school’s website, the headteacher’s message says “Life here is NOT just a series of lessons. Our very special environment and weekly events play a key part in giving children endless learning opportunities. Pupils develop a passion for life and a level of happiness that accelerates their learning.”
Christ Church Bentinck CofE Primary School
Christ Church Bentinck CofE Primary School is a co-educational school in Marylebone for pupils aged 3-11. There are currently around 420 pupils, with a student to teacher ratio of 21:1. They currently have an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, according to their latest report given in 2019. In that, they achieved Outstanding ratings across all categories, improving from Good on their previous inspection.
The Ofsted report notes “The headteacher and deputy headteacher have an excellent understanding of the needs of pupils. They skilfully ensure that pupils overcome barriers to achievement. Therefore, pupils progress superbly.”
The About Us page on their website states “We are passionate about ensuring that our children are given education of the highest standard. Through high quality teaching and learning experiences, and targeted intervention and support, we aim to ensure that all children are able to enjoy, aspire and achieve.”
Richard Cobden Primary School
Richard Cobden Primary School is a coeducational school in Camden for pupils aged 3-11. They have around 420 pupils currently and a student to teacher ratio of 15:1. Their most recent Ofsted inspection was in 2019, when the school achieved an Outstanding rating across all categories.
The Ofsted report states “Pupils are very happy here. They told us that all the adults who work with them are kind and helpful. The nurturing spirit of the school helps pupils to excel in all aspects of school life.”
The school’s website says “Our school is an inclusive and happy school where we all work hard to do our very best. We have a strong focus on the well-being and achievement of every child so that their time in our school is rewarding, enjoyable and successful.”
Best secondary schools in North West London
Below are a few of the exceptional secondary schools across North West London.
The Archer Academy
The Archer Academy is a coeducational school in Barnet, teaching pupils aged 11-16. The student body currently stands at around 810, with a student to teacher ratio of 15:1.
The latest Ofsted report for the Archer Academy was conducted in 2019. They achieved an overall rating of Outstanding, gaining the same rating for each category that was assessed. This was an improvement on their last rating of good on their previous report. The Ofsted report noted that “The headteacher’s clear, unwavering vision focuses on supporting pupils’ high achievement across the curriculum. Staff implement the vision very well. As a result, pupils receive an outstanding education.”
On the school website, the headteacher’s welcome states “Our goal is to help our students become positive, thoughtful and skilled young people, with a zest for life and a generosity of spirit which will help them make the most of the opportunities ahead. We encourage and support them as they take risks, make some inevitable mistakes, and discover what they are all about.”
City of London Academy Islington
The City of London Academy Islington is located in Islington and is a coeducational school for pupils aged 11-18. There are currently around 805 pupils at the school, with a student to teacher ratio of 15:1.
The school’s most recent Ofsted report was conducted in 2019. They received an overall rating of Outstanding, and achieved Outstanding in 4/5 of the categories assessed. The report states “Leaders set very high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. Pupils’ behaviour around the school and in lessons is excellent. Pupils are rightly proud of their school and their achievements.”
On the school’s website, the message from the principal says “We deliver an ambitious and creative curriculum designed to develop a love of learning and an intellectual curiosity amongst our students. In addition to the formal curriculum, we offer a wealth of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance our students’ educational experience and develop their cultural awareness and appreciation.”
Kensington Aldridge Academy
Kensington Aldridge Academy is a coeducational school in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, educating pupils aged 11-18. They currently have around 1,140 pupils and a student to teacher ratio of 12:1.
Kensington Aldridge Academy had a full inspection in 2017 where they were deemed to be Outstanding across all categories. A recent inspection in 2024 found that the school has maintained that level. The report notes that “Pupils receive an exceptional education at this school. Pupils flourish because the school has high academic ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school creates a thirst for learning and is driven by its motto ‘intrepidus’: boldly encouraging pupils to take risks without fear.”
On the school website, they state “Our aim is to be not just an outstanding school, but also a centre of excellence in teaching and learning, both within the borough of Kensington & Chelsea and beyond. Our teachers are given the time, training and management they need to become the best in their fields… At KAA our students receive a consistent diet of outstanding lessons, and extensive enrichment opportunities beyond that.”
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