Orley Farm School
South Hill Avenue, Harrow, HA1 3NU
Pupils
513
Ages
4 - 13
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Tim Calvey
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£5,207 to £6,008
ISC Associations
IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Orley Farm School
Orley Farm School, located in Harrow, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged four to thirteen. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development, the school has evolved significantly from its origins as a feeder for Harrow School over 170 years ago. Today, it is a thriving co-educational day school that embraces diversity and innovation.
The majority of pupils join at the age of four, with a gentle assessment process that focuses on curiosity and communication skills. The school values a mix of personalities, recognising that not all children are extroverts. For older children, a more rigorous assessment is in place, including a taster day and a Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT) from year three onwards.
Academically, the school prepares its pupils for a range of selective schools, with many boys staying until thirteen and girls typically moving on at eleven. Popular destinations include John Lyon, Merchant Taylors’, and St Helen’s. The school boasts impressive scholarship success, particularly in the sciences and geography, with 28 scholarships awarded in 2023.
Set in 36 acres, the school’s elegant Victorian buildings have been beautifully modernised. The reception classrooms and library are particularly noteworthy, offering ample outdoor learning and play spaces. However, the school’s website could benefit from a redesign to better showcase these facilities.
Class sizes are around 21, reducing further in the senior years, and the teaching is highly praised by parents. The school encourages a culture of trust, with early preparation for verbal and non-verbal reasoning, exam techniques, and interview skills. Streaming begins in year three for maths and becomes more widespread in years seven and eight.
The school places a strong emphasis on thinking skills and resilience, using innovative methods such as emojis to convey serious messages. Recent improvements in progress-tracking and pupil feedback have empowered children to take ownership of their learning. The school also integrates technology effectively, with older pupils using Microsoft Surface Pros and OneNote for homework.
French is taught from reception, with Latin and Classics introduced in year five. The school also focuses on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through PSHE and TPR (theology, philosophy, and religion). Homework is designed to be manageable, with none set during holidays unless for specific senior school preparation.
The music and drama departments are housed in a smart new building, offering numerous performance opportunities. The school is keen on developing vocal skills and confidence, with LAMDA offered twice a week. Music is taught throughout the school, with a high uptake of private lessons and a variety of choirs and ensembles.
The school community was hit hard by Covid, but a new wellbeing hub has helped bring people back together. The school has also introduced wellbeing lessons and pupil ambassadors to promote happiness and support.
Sports facilities are impressive, with a vast astro, cricket square, gym, and outdoor pool. The school competes in traditional team sports, with cricket being particularly popular. Hobbies and clubs are varied, driven by teachers’ interests, and include activities like frisbee golf and Solidworks.
Behavioural issues are handled well, with a red card system rarely requiring parental involvement. The school also offers expeditions, both in the UK and Europe, covered by fees, to broaden pupils’ experiences.
The design and technology department is a hub of innovation, with initiatives like VEX robotics and Greenpower encouraging teamwork and engineering skills. Bursaries are available for some pupils, ensuring a diverse and inclusive community.
Overall, Orley Farm School is committed to helping bright, motivated children fulfil their academic potential while maintaining a broad and balanced education. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
Orley Farm School is a co-educational day school located in Harrow, Middlesex, catering for children aged 4 to 13. Established in 1850, the school has a rich history and operates on a 36-acre site at the foot of Harrow Hill. It was originally founded as a boys' preparatory school and has since evolved to include a diverse student body, currently comprising 500 pupils, with 325 boys and 175 girls. The school is governed by an educational trust and a board of governors responsible for its overall management.
The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that fosters a love for learning and encourages all students to reach their full potential. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is housed in a purpose-built facility and emphasizes a stimulating environment for young learners. The school has undergone significant improvements since its last inspection in 2007, including the appointment of a new headmaster and the refurbishment of facilities, which now include a new languages department and outdoor play areas.
Orley Farm School is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL), receive the support they need to thrive. The school has a diverse student population, with many pupils coming from professional backgrounds and a variety of cultural backgrounds. The school’s ability profile is above the national average, and it successfully prepares students for a range of senior schools, with many pupils receiving scholarships for academic, sporting, or musical achievements.
The inspection report highlights the school’s success in fulfilling its educational aims. Pupils demonstrate high levels of knowledge, understanding, and skills across a comprehensive range of subjects. The curriculum is diverse and includes a variety of extracurricular activities that enhance the educational experience. The quality of teaching is generally good, with some lessons being excellent. Teachers have high expectations and provide a supportive learning environment, although there are areas for improvement in the consistency of marking and feedback.
Pupils’ personal development is also a strong focus at Orley Farm School. The school fosters a strong sense of community, and pupils show great concern for one another. They are confident, articulate, and well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, ensuring that all pupils feel supported and valued. The relationships between staff and pupils are excellent, contributing to a positive school atmosphere.
The school’s governance, leadership, and management are effective, with clear lines of accountability and communication. The governors are actively involved in the school’s operations and provide valuable oversight and support. The school has identified areas for further development, particularly in curriculum planning and the consistency of marking practices.
In terms of academic achievements, pupils at Orley Farm School excel in their learning. They demonstrate excellent literacy and numeracy skills and are capable of working independently. The school’s commitment to providing a broad curriculum is evident in the wide range of subjects offered, including modern languages and the arts. Pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, which further enrich their educational experience.
The school’s approach to personal, social, and health education (PSHE) is commendable, as it promotes the development of well-rounded individuals who are aware of their responsibilities within the community. Pupils are encouraged to participate in charitable activities and demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility.
The quality of welfare, health, and safety arrangements at Orley Farm School is excellent. The school has robust policies and procedures in place to safeguard pupils, and staff are well-trained in child protection. The school promotes healthy eating and physical activity, ensuring that pupils understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, Orley Farm School is a thriving educational institution that successfully meets the needs of its diverse student body. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and pastoral care creates a nurturing environment where pupils can flourish. The inspection report reflects the school’s dedication to continuous improvement and its aspiration to provide the highest quality education for all its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024