Thomas Jones Primary School

In the context of Notting Hill, Thomas Jones is the only community school with a single form of entry. We are over-subscribed, with waiting lists for every class. In 2023 there were 250 applications for 30 Reception places. Gentle and welcoming, younger pupils know Year 6 well and vice versa. In this environment, positive, authentic relationships develop, which in turn support and nurture the well-being of each individual. Early Years practice is exceptional.

The school’s aggregate attendance is 97%. We appear in the latest edition of the Good School’s Guide in glowing terms. Re-accredited as a ‘World Class School’ in 2022, one of only a handful of primary settings in the country accorded this award, we have been presented with a Royal Borough Excellence Plaque and an Evening Standard London School of the Year trophy. Until last year, the Head was a National Leader of Education, and in 2016 was awarded an OBE for Services to Education. In December 2022 we were, for a tenth consecutive year, identified by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s ‘Top Schools’. For six years as a Department for Education designated Teaching School. Our academic results are amongst the highest 2% of schools nationally.

The curriculum is richly varied and affords opportunities for each and every pupil to shine. Attention to detail in regard to uniform, demeanour and the use of Standard English are strengths. Aspiration and a climate that ensures pupils are consistently kind and friendly are absolute.

Thomas Jones’ pupils are robust, assertive and articulate. We instil in them an uncompromising set of values. Empathy is a key element. Our choir, string ensemble and pianists are impressive. In March 2023 the mixed hockey and girls’ football teams were crowned borough champions. The previous year, we won the basketball, and handball championships and Royal Borough swimming gala. Concerts and school plays are of an exacting standard including Treasure Island, Romeo and Juliet, Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Selected as an exemplar, we appear in a number of publications:
• ‘Reading by Six, How the Best Schools Do It’ (Ofsted)
• ‘Building an Outstanding Reading School’ (Oxford University Press)
• ‘Narrowing the Gap’ (also Oxford University Press)
• ‘Closing the Gap’ (Pathways Education).
• ‘Moving English Forward’ (Ofsted promotional film).