The headmaster who transformed a failing school reveals how he did it
Thomas Jones, named Primary School Of The Year 2026, is an inner-city state primary serving a largely disadvantaged area - Maddy Fletcher finds out how it helps its children to thrive
TL;DR
- Thomas Jones primary school, led by headmaster David Sellens, is exceptionally popular, with children living very close to the school to qualify for a place.
- The school ranks in the top one per cent of schools in England and was named Primary School Of The Year 2026 by the Sunday Times.
- Despite 41.6 per cent of students qualifying for free school meals, the school achieved 93 per cent of pupils meeting the 'expected national standard' in SATs, significantly above the national average.
- Sellens implemented aesthetic changes, a uniform policy, a nursery program, and invested in outdoor spaces to create a positive and stimulating learning environment.
- The school maintains high academic standards, teaching Milton and Shakespeare to Year Six pupils, and employs a positive reinforcement approach to discipline.
- Thomas Jones serves a multicultural population, with 89.5 per cent of students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- The school operates near Grenfell Tower, with Sellens acknowledging the difficult circumstances and emphasizing that success is achieved through hard work and belief in potential.