Harris Primary Academy Purley Way, located in Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized for its outstanding performance since its opening in 2016. The school has achieved remarkable success in various areas, including leadership, teaching quality, personal development, and pupil outcomes. The leadership team, including governors, has effectively established a culture of excellence where pupils thrive academically and personally. The quality of teaching is exceptional, with staff dedicated to ensuring that pupils engage with challenging material across the curriculum. Pupils demonstrate resilience and a positive attitude towards learning, often expressing that hard work enhances their intelligence.
The school emphasizes the importance of personal development, equipping pupils with the skills to navigate peer pressure and make informed decisions. Pupils are well-versed in the school's values and demonstrate exemplary behavior, taking responsibility for their actions and showing respect towards others. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster knowledge and skills across various subjects, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future challenges.
Reading is a significant focus at Harris Primary Academy, with pupils learning phonics systematically, enabling them to read fluently and quickly. Parents appreciate the resources provided by the school to support reading at home, contributing to pupils' strong literacy skills. The early years provision is equally outstanding, with children making significant progress and developing a love for learning. They engage in various activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in enhancing vocabulary acquisition and understanding of word meanings. The leadership team is committed to addressing this by providing additional support and training for staff.
The effectiveness of leadership and management is evident in the strong support provided to teachers, fostering a collaborative environment for professional development. Leaders prioritize safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-cared for. The school promotes British values, helping pupils understand democratic processes and their role within the community.
Governance at the school is robust, with governors actively involved in monitoring pupil outcomes and holding leaders accountable for the quality of education. They ensure that safeguarding measures are effective and that the school environment is conducive to learning.
Pupils' outcomes are exceptional, with high attainment levels across the curriculum. The school has successfully utilized pupil premium funding to support disadvantaged pupils, resulting in strong progress for all students. Conversations with pupils reveal a deep understanding of their learning, indicating that knowledge retention is a priority.
The early years environment is vibrant and stimulating, promoting independence and readiness for future educational stages. Partnerships with parents are strong, enhancing children's learning experiences both at school and at home. Overall, Harris Primary Academy Purley Way exemplifies excellence in education, with a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on the holistic development of its pupils.
