Harris Lowe Academy Willesden
About Harris Lowe Academy Willesden
Harris Lowe Academy Willesden’s headline Progress 8 score of 0.23 sits well below the Brent local authority average of 0.73 for secondary schools, placing it 10th out of 18 schools in the borough. That gap is significant — the school’s score is positive, meaning pupils on average achieve a third of a grade more per subject than pupils with similar starting points nationally, but it’s not keeping pace with the strongest performers in the area. The school ranks 11th out of 13 Brent schools when measured by Progress 8, putting it in the bottom quarter of the LA. Its closest outstanding-rated neighbour, Michaela Community School, sits 3.9 km away and tops the local table with a score of 2.56. For parents comparing options, this is a school that delivers solid, above-national-average progress but operates in a highly competitive local market where several schools achieve notably stronger academic gains.
Key Details
The full report on this school
What 164 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Nov 2024From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.
Source: Ofsted, 12 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harris Lowe Academy Willesden
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications