Harris Primary Academy Benson

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Outstanding

West Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8RQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Harris Primary Academy Benson is a primary school in Croydon for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 153 schools in Croydon. It ranks 24th of 77 primary schools in Croydon. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 7 June 2023, report published 20 July 2023

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 June 2023

Leaders have a clear vision for the education of pupils at Harris Primary Academy Benson. This is underpinned by their 'three golden rules' of: show respect, take responsibility and always make the right choice. All members of the school community live and learn by these rules. Leaders have high academic ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have designed a deep and broad curriculum to deliver this ambition. Staff successfully implement the curriculum. Pupils excel in their learning. Parents and carers work as a team with staff to support the academic and personal development of pupils at the school. Staff, pupils and parents are rightly proud of pupils' behaviour at this school. They were all keen to say that it is exemplary. Leaders have created a calm, kind and purposeful learning environment. This supports pupils in thriving academically. Leaders have also prioritised organising for all pupils to have responsibilities during their time at school. The experiences provided are varied, from play facilitators to reading buddies. These responsibilities are part of leaders' considerable work to develop the pupils' character. Pupils love coming to school. Leaders, teachers and staff all work together to ensure that pupils are kept safe.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

34 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths74%

74%, 12 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths9%

9%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

238 pupils on roll, with places for 420

Eligible for free school meals30.3%

30.3%, 3.8 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language23.9%

23.9%, 2.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.9%

10.9%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.5%

2.5%, 3.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Harris Primary Academy Benson

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St John's CofE Primary School0.4 milesReport card: Strong standard81% met the expected standard
Forest Academy0.5 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Orchard Way Primary School0.9 milesOfsted: Good67% met the expected standard
Oak Lodge Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Applegarth Academy1 mileOfsted: Good88% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
HARRIS FEDERATION
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Lee Searle
Address
West Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 8RQ
Local authority
Croydon
URN
139905

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.