Key Points
- Twenty-six Havering schools received “Good” or “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings, with twenty-two schools specifically commended by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan.
- Schools were invited to meet the Mayor, who praised their dedication and the challenging work of teaching.
- Ofsted inspections assess schools on quality of education, pupil behaviour, leadership, safeguarding, and overall effectiveness.
- Among the schools recognised, several achieved “Outstanding” ratings, including Ardleigh Green Junior School, Clockhouse Primary School, Hall Mead School, and Scotts Primary School.
- Drapers’ Academy in Harold Hill received a “Good” rating across all criteria, with inspectors highlighting strong leadership, high teaching standards, and an inclusive environment.
- Havering’s secondary schools show mixed results in government assessments, with some schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted but showing below-average Progress 8 scores, raising questions about the correlation between Ofsted ratings and academic outcomes.
- The Mayor also invited schools to bring pupils to visit the Town Hall and Council chambers in Romford as part of the recognition.
- Havering Council is planning a £66 million investment to expand schools and early years settings to accommodate rising pupil numbers.
What Schools in Havering Have Been Commended for Their Ofsted Achievements?
As reported by the London Borough of Havering, twenty-six schools in the borough have been commended for receiving “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings in their recent Ofsted inspections. These schools were invited to a ceremony to meet Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, the Mayor of Havering, who expressed his gratitude and admiration for the schools’ achievements. Councillor O’Sullivan acknowledged the demanding nature of teaching and congratulated both staff and pupils for their success.
The schools recognised include a mix of primary, secondary, special, and alternative education settings. Notably, Ardleigh Green Junior School, Clockhouse Primary School, Hall Mead School, and Scotts Primary School were among those awarded “Outstanding” ratings. The full list includes:
- Ardleigh Green Junior School – Outstanding
- Bower Park Academy – Good
- Broadford Primary School – Good
- Clockhouse Primary School – Outstanding
- Crowlands Primary School – Good
- Crownfield Infant School – Good
- Crownfield Junior School – Good
- Drapers’ Maylands Primary School – Good
- Engayne Primary School – Good
- Hall Mead School – Outstanding
- Koru Independent AP Academy – Good
- Langtons Infant School & Nursery – Good
- Langtons Junior School – Good
- Lime Academy Forest Approach – Good
- Mead Primary School – Good
- Olive AP Academy Havering – Good
- Rainham Village Primary School – Good
- Rise Park Infant School – Good
- Scotts Primary School – Outstanding
- St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Good
- St. Ursula’s Catholic Primary School – Good
- The Bridge – Good
- The James Oglethorpe Primary School – Good
- The Royal Liberty School – Good
- Upminster Infant School – Good
- Whybridge Infant School – Good.
During the event, the Mayor extended an invitation for schools to bring their pupils to visit the Town Hall in Romford, providing them with a unique opportunity to see the workings of the Council and its chamber.
How Did Drapers’ Academy Perform in Its Recent Ofsted Inspection?
According to a report by the East London Times, Drapers’ Academy in Harold Hill received a “Good” rating across all areas in its recent Ofsted inspection conducted in March 2025. Inspectors praised the school for its high teaching standards, strong leadership, and inclusive environment that supports pupils’ individual needs. The curriculum was described as broad, ambitious, and well-considered, with an emphasis on student leadership, enrichment opportunities, and community involvement.
Principal Gillian Dineen expressed delight at the inspection outcome, highlighting the school’s commitment to maintaining high standards. Inspectors noted some variability in the quality of pupil work but overall commended the school’s performance in quality of education, behaviour, attitudes, personal development, leadership, and sixth form provision.
What Are the Differences Between Ofsted Ratings and Government Academic Assessments in Havering’s Secondary Schools?
An analysis by Havering Blog highlights a divergence between Ofsted ratings and government academic performance measures such as Progress 8 in Havering’s secondary schools. Progress 8 predicts GCSE outcomes based on prior attainment and measures the value schools add to pupils’ progress.
While some schools like Sacred Heart of Mary, Campion, and Harris Academy Rainham scored well above average in Progress 8, others such as Bower Park, Abbs Cross, and Marshalls Park scored below or well below average. Despite these academic performance differences, Ofsted ratings often do not align directly with Progress 8 results. For example, Abbs Cross Academy received a “Good” Ofsted rating despite a low 22% pass rate for disadvantaged pupils achieving Grade 5+ in English and Maths, which is considered a gold standard for post-16 opportunities.
The report criticises Ofsted for lacking rigour in its assessments and ignoring important academic outcomes, calling this a “criminal dereliction of duty.” It argues that while Ofsted focuses on leadership, teaching quality, and pupil welfare, it does not adequately reflect the academic progress and attainment that are critical for pupils’ futures.
What Is the Mayor’s Perspective on Havering’s Educational Achievements?
As reported by The Havering Daily, the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Trevor McKeever, has publicly celebrated the achievements of Havering schools following their successful Ofsted inspections. He expressed personal pride in the borough’s education system, recalling his own schooling in Havering and the positive impact it had on his life.
Councillor McKeever thanked current and past teachers for their dedication and hard work, emphasising the importance of education in shaping futures. The Mayor presented certificates to schools rated “Good” or “Outstanding” and invited them to bring pupils to visit the Mayor and the Council chambers, fostering a sense of community and recognition.
What Future Investments Are Planned for Havering Schools?
The London Borough of Havering’s official website notes that the Council’s Cabinet is considering a £66 million investment to expand schools and early years settings across the borough. This funding aims to address the increasing number of children and young people in Havering, ensuring that educational facilities can accommodate growing demand.
This investment reflects the Council’s commitment to maintaining and improving educational standards and infrastructure in the area, complementing the positive Ofsted outcomes and government assessments.
Summary: Havering schools have demonstrated strong performance in recent Ofsted inspections, with twenty-six schools achieving “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings and receiving commendations from the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan. Drapers’ Academy in Harold Hill was notably praised for its inclusive environment and strong leadership. However, an analysis of secondary schools reveals discrepancies between Ofsted ratings and academic outcomes measured by Progress 8, prompting calls for more rigorous assessment standards. The Mayor and local authorities continue to support education through recognition events and planned investments to expand school capacity in the borough.
