Harris Primary Academy Kenley

About Harris Primary Academy Kenley

Harris Primary Academy Kenley is a state primary school in Croydon, one of 88 primary schools in the borough. It ranks 31st among them, placing it comfortably in the top half of local schools. The three highest-scoring peers in the area are Heathfield Academy, St John's CofE Primary School, and Applegarth Academy, all of which sit above it in the local rankings. Still, Kenley holds its own with an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, a grade it has now held across two consecutive inspections. The most recent graded inspection, in June 2025, awarded top marks across the board: Outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. That puts it among just 17 Outstanding primaries in Croydon. The nearest other Outstanding school is Beaumont Primary School, 1.3 km away, so for families in the Kenley area, this is a strong local option with a proven track record.

Academically, the school performs above the Croydon average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 73% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the local authority average of 66%. Reading scores were particularly strong, with an average scaled score of 108 and 48% of pupils reaching the higher standard. Maths followed closely with an average score of 105 and 32% hitting the higher threshold. Writing was the weakest area, with only 8% achieving greater depth. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it is not possible to say how much value the school adds relative to pupils' starting points. Nationally, the school ranks in the top 25% of primaries by its combined expected standard score, and within London it sits around the 43rd percentile. The parent view survey, based on 139 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, shows strong satisfaction: 85% of parents would recommend the school, and large majorities agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, safe, and does well.

The school is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, with 193 applications for 59 places and 42 offers going to first-preference families. That ratio of 3.27 applicants per place reflects its popularity locally. Facilities include a library, music rooms, art studios, a gymnasium, a sensory room, and even a chapel. Sports on offer include football, gymnastics, swimming and tennis, and there is a good range of clubs from coding and chess to eco club and choir. The school has a nursery provision for children aged three and above, and its SEND support covers a broad spectrum, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. However, the parent view data shows some mixed feelings on SEND: while 73% agreed or strongly agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, 13% strongly disagreed, the highest negative response across all survey questions. This is worth probing if your child has an identified need. Overall, this is a well-regarded, high-performing local primary that suits families seeking a strong academic foundation with good facilities and a broad enrichment offer.

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