Bad news travels fast, but not the good news. With this in view, the Harrow Council for Justice (HCJ) often focuses on success stories; this time it is about a primary school in Harrow.

Newton Farm Nursery, Infant and Junior School, in South Harrow, not only uniquely outshines being on the top of the local league table of the primary schools, but is also fifth in the list of the primary schools with the highest attainment in England.

The league table for the primary schools published this year indicates exemplary performance by the school where the difference between the school performance data and the schools above it in the attainment list is minimal despite that the input indicators for the Newton Farm school are less favourable than others in the top five.

The last inspection report for the school said “pupils and staff from a wide range of backgrounds work in a harmonious and purposeful atmosphere”.

The report also informs that the school led by the headteacher, Mrs Rekha Bhakoo, has more than three-quarters of all pupils from minority ethnic groups, most of whom are from Indian or other Asian backgrounds. The majority speak another language at home.

The HCJ highlights this highly achieving school because a parent and pupil profile like the one that this school has often becomes a justification for under-achievement in many schools.

The HCJ warmly congratulates the school whose remarkable position is of national interest.

Jaiya Shah
Chairman, Harrow Council for Justice