Inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted visited Hackney New Primary School in Haggerston for an ungraded inspection on December 17 and 18 to see whether it had was still worthy of the top rating it received at its last full inspection in 2018.
Although Ofsted no longer gives single-word ratings, the report, published on January 23, said it had taken effective action to maintain standards.
Inspectors said music was at the heart of the school, with children learning to play a musical instrument from Year 1, and working with the London Symphony Orchestra.
The report praised an “ambitious” curriculum for all pupils, in many instances, it exceeds what is expected nationally, and “consistently high” expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attendance.
The school was praised for its academic record and its mission to extend “beyond traditional learning” – pupils work with local architects to deepen their knowledge of design technology and other activities include coding, chess and karate.
The report said children in the early years develop communication skills by beginning to learn a modern foreign language.
Teachers were said to have “excellent” subject knowledge and regular opportunities for training, with the way reading and phonics were taught given special mention.
“The school encourages a love of reading for all pupils,” the report said
“All pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure, with regular visits to both the school and community library. Parents and carers support their child’s reading, for example through monthly ‘reading breakfasts’.”
Inspectors said pupils with special needs are “fully included”, with their needs identified accurately and closely met.
“A cornerstone of the curriculum is our music programme,” headteacher Marya Afreedi said. “It sits at the heart of the school allowing pupils to show their skills with regular concerts to foster a love of the arts. Such recognition surpasses national standards.”
The school proudly put the Ofsted findings on display with a banner draped over the entrance along Downham Road. It has also been ranked among “the best in the country” in a Times parent national survey.
