Harris Primary Academy Benson

About Harris Primary Academy Benson

Harris Primary Academy Benson is a state primary school in Croydon, one of 88 primaries in the borough. It ranks 14th in the local authority, placing it comfortably in the top 25% of Croydon primaries. The top three schools locally are Heathfield Academy, St John's CofE Primary School, and Applegarth Academy, with St John's also being the nearest Outstanding-rated school, just 0.6 km away. Benson itself holds an Outstanding rating from its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, a significant upgrade from its previous Good rating in 2015. The school is led by headteacher Lee Searle and serves 238 pupils, well below its capacity of 420. It is a mixed, non-religious school with a nursery provision for children aged three and above. Over 30% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, reflecting a diverse intake.

Academically, the school performs well above the Croydon average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 79% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to the local authority average of 66%. The school also achieved strong higher-standard results, with 25% of pupils reaching the higher standard across all three subjects. In reading, 42% achieved the higher standard, and the same proportion did so in writing. Maths saw 29% of pupils at the higher level, with an average scaled score of 105. Reading averaged 106. Progress scores are not available in the data, but the attainment figures alone place Benson in the top 12% nationally and the top 24% in London. Ofsted rated every category — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and early years provision — as Outstanding in the 2023 inspection.

The school offers a range of facilities including a gymnasium, forest school, library, playing fields, and a chapel. Sports provision includes swimming, cross country, dance, and gymnastics, while clubs such as book club, coding, and eco club are available. SEND support is broad, covering social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language, visual impairment, physical disability, and autistic spectrum disorder. For the 2025/26 intake, the school was oversubscribed with 153 applications for 30 places, a ratio of 5.1 applicants per place. Only 23 of 39 first-preference applicants were offered a place, so it is a competitive choice. This school will suit families who prioritise strong academic outcomes in a diverse, well-supported environment, and who are prepared for a selective admissions process.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Harris Primary Academy Benson

Helpful Guides for Parents