Local Schools Win Praise for Supporting Disadvantaged Pupils
Over thirty in the borough among the best performing in the country
The proportion of schools recognised is well above the national average
February 24, 2026
More than 30 schools in the borough of Ealing have been singled out for national praise by the Secretary of State for Education, placing them among the highest‑performing schools in England for supporting disadvantaged pupils to achieve strong academic outcomes.
In letters sent to headteachers, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson congratulated schools for their exceptional results in the 2024/25 academic year, highlighting the dedication of leaders, teachers and support staff, as well as the ambition and hard work of pupils. She described the recognised schools as “among the very best nationally” in helping disadvantaged children achieve strong results and encouraged leaders to continue sharing their expertise through local and regional networks.
The borough had 34 schools recognised, a striking figure when set against the national picture. Across England, only a small proportion of schools received letters of commendation—government sources indicate that fewer than one in ten schools nationally were acknowledged for exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. The borough’s representation therefore places it well above the national average.
More than 30 of the borough’s schools have been recognised by the Secretary of State for Education for their work to help disadvantaged pupils achieve strong results. .
One of the schools to receive the praise was Stanhope Primary School, in Greenford. Headteacher Hannah Widdison said: “. This affirmation reflects our unwavering belief that inclusion and high attainment must go hand in hand.”
This national recognition highlights the strength of leadership across the borough, the quality of teaching in classrooms, and the targeted support that enables disadvantaged pupils to thrive. It also shows how schools are helping to raise aspirations and improve life chances for children and young people.
Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “Schools across the borough work tirelessly to give every child the chance to succeed. This recognition shows the impact of that commitment. Through the Ealing Learning Partnership, we will carry on supporting schools to learn from each other, share what works and keep raising standards. When we work together, we can make sure every child in the borough has the opportunity to thrive.”
A list of the schools that have been recognised:
Primary schools
- Beaconsfield Primary and Nursery School
- Blair Peach Primary School
- Clifton Primary School
- Coston Primary School
- Dairy Meadow Primary School
- Durdans Park Primary School
- Gifford Primary School
- Hambrough Primary School
- Khalsa Primary School
- Lady Margaret Primary School
- Little Ealing Primary School
- Montpelier Primary School
- North Ealing Primary School
- Ravenor Primary School
- Selborne Primary School
- Southfield Primary School
- St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School
- St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
- St John’s Primary School
- St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School
- Stanhope Primary School
- The Edward Betham Church of England Primary School
- Three Bridges Primary School
- Tudor Primary School
- Viking Primary School
- West Twyford Primary School
- Willow Tree Primary School
- Wolf Fields Primary School
Secondary schools
- Elthorne Park High School
- Greenford High School
- The Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
- The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls
- Villiers High School
Among the schools recognised was Stanhope Primary School in Greenford. Headteacher Hannah Widdison said the acknowledgement “reflects our unwavering belief that inclusion and high attainment must go hand in hand,” adding that the school’s ethos is built on ensuring every child feels supported to thrive.
The recognition also highlights the strength of leadership across the borough and the quality of teaching in classrooms, where schools have worked to raise aspirations and improve life chances for pupils who face additional barriers to learning.
Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start, said the announcement shows the impact of years of collaborative effort. “Schools across the borough work tirelessly to give every child the chance to succeed. This recognition shows the impact of that commitment. Through the Ealing Learning Partnership, we will carry on supporting schools to learn from each other, share what works and keep raising standards. When we work together, we can make sure every child in the borough has the opportunity to thrive.”
The Secretary of State’s letters form part of a wider government effort to highlight schools that are narrowing the attainment gap—an area where progress has been uneven nationally. While many regions saw only a handful of schools recognised, the borough’s strong showing places it among the best‑performing local authorities in England.
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