Harris Primary Academy Merton

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders and governors have created a culture in which pupils can excel. The principal has ensured that there is an uncompromising drive to improve teaching and outcomes for the pupils.

Senior leaders have trained a very effective team of subject- and year-group leaders. Their contribution to improvement is considerable. The challenge and support from governors and the federation have been instrumental in the academy's establishment and rapid improvement.

The progress of pupils and their attainment have risen sharply since the opening of the academy. This has resulted in pupils making up for underachievement in the past. The pupils...' behaviour is exemplary.

They are very respectful and show great consideration towards others. Pupils are highly motivated to learn. They are confident learners who persevere when faced with difficulties.

The curriculum inspires the pupils and encourages them to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills across all subjects in depth. Through strong relationships with adults in the early years, children become enthusiastic and engaged learners. The highly effective teaching is leading to children making rapid progress.

Pupils in the additional resource provision make strong and secure progress towards their targets. This is because adults know and plan carefully to meet their particular needs well. Attendance has risen sharply, including for disadvantaged pupils, through a concerted team effort.

Safeguarding pupils is of the highest priority. Pupils feel very safe and are trained to look after themselves. The school's values expressed through its golden rules permeate all aspects of the pupils' lives.

The strong promotion of the pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development encourages them to be thoughtful and caring. Teachers challenge the thinking of the most able pupils, but do not always encourage them to try things for themselves.

Information about this school

The school is well above average in size.

Most pupils are from a wide range of minority ethnic backgrounds. Half of the pupils speak English as an additional language. This figure is well above average.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is above average. The school has a resourced provision for 20 pupils who have been diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. Each of these pupils has an education, health and care plan.

One third of pupils are supported by additional government funding. This figure is above average. Children in the early years provision attend the pre-school and Nursery part time and the two Reception classes full time.

The school became an academy within the Harris Federation in September 2014. The governing body was reconstituted at this time. The principal and vice-principal were appointed from September 2014.

The considerable staffing instability at the time has fallen very considerably. The school provides childcare before and after school. The school meets the government's current floor standards.

These set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.