Sir John Lillie Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 March 2025

Pupils at Sir John Lillie Primary School are happy and safe in their welcoming community. Pupils play joyfully in the extensive playground, which includes climbing frames, reading huts, sports equipment and an edible garden. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from the wider offer at the school. They can develop their leadership skills as buddies, ambassadors and playtime monitors. Pupils have opportunities to develop their interests through the clubs on offer, including karate, gardening and musical theatre. Visitors and trips outside of school enhance the curriculum. For example, pupils have served as mascots at a local football club and cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of a local supermarket. The school also uses local arts and sports facilities so pupils can play squash at the Queen's Club and attend the Royal Albert Hall. These opportunities help pupils to make the most of their neighbourhood and take them beyond the everyday. Leaders have high expectations of pupils. These are demonstrated in pupils' behaviour, which supports them to be ready to learn and for the next stages of their education. As a result, pupils achieve highly, including in national assessments, and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, teaching does not break down knowledge effectively and check the building blocks are secure before moving on to more complex content. This means some pupils struggle with applying their learning independently because they have not secured foundational concepts. The school should continue to review assessment strategies and ensure these are consistently applied to support pupils to deepen and connect their learning.

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