Finchley and Acton Yochien School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 July 2025

Pupils arrive at school with a skip in their step. They enjoy coming to this school and are safe and well cared for. Staff have high expectations for all pupils' achievement. Pupils rise to these expectations and achieve well. In the early years, children grow in confidence and develop their language skills soon after joining both in Japanese and English. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are polite and respectful. The school is calm and orderly. Pupils know the routines and respond well to staff. Staff care about the pupils and build positive working relationships with each and every one. Pupils are taught to respect their own and others' bodies, build healthy relationships and take care of their physical health. Children enjoy a range of activities, including cultural celebrations such as the Japanese tea ceremony, Children's Day, Chinese New Year and Christmas, which allow pupils to enjoy and learn about different traditions. Visits to local shops, the park and care homes help children build curiosity and confidence in the wider world. They can join after-school clubs and learn musical instruments such as the Kenban harmonica. Throughout, pupils are taught about kindness, boundaries and making good choices.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school has not yet clearly identified the precise knowledge pupils need to know and remember. This means that staff are not supported to identify which components of knowledge need to be prioritised in teaching or checked when assessing pupils' understanding. As a result, pupils do not consistently develop the depth and security of understanding they should. The school should ensure it identifies the essential knowledge in all subjects so that pupils continue to build their knowledge over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)