A primary school in Harold Hill has been recognised as having an "exceptional" focus on personal development and wellbeing following an Ofsted inspection.
Drapers' Maylands Primary School, in Settle Road, is the first school in Havering to be graded under the new Ofsted framework - earning glowing praise from inspectors.
Following a visit in November 2025, the school was deemed to have an "exceptional" personal development and wellbeing programme, as well as "strong standards" across a number of other areas including attendance and behaviour, teaching and inclusion.
Under the new framework, "exceptional" and "strong standard" are the top two grades which can be achieved, with "exceptional" meaning that the school is of the highest standard nationally.
Inspectors found that personal development provision is "integral to all aspects of school life" at Drapers' Maylands and leaves pupils "incredibly well" prepared for the next stage of education and life.
Among the development and enrichment activities mentioned were events such as the European Day of Languages - which encourages pupils to celebrate people's differences - themed "WOW days" to provide hands-on experiences for pupils, and art or song writing competitions.
The Ofsted report said: "The personal development programme is forensically evaluated to ensure it is relevant for the pupils and is having the intended impact.
"All pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, benefit from this provision.
"The school's personal, social, health and economic education has been interwoven with teaching pupils about the rights of a child.
"This is designed to empower pupils and develop their confidence, resilience and global awareness.
"Pupils are extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain."
Attendance was described by Ofsted as a "clear priority" for the school, remaining consistently above national averages for the past three years, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Meanwhile, pupils' behaviour was said to be "excellent", with a "highly positive" attitude to learning found throughout the school.
In class, the curriculum is implemented "very well" according to inspectors and teachers have secure subject knowledge.
The Ofsted success follows the school's recognition from education secretary Bridget Phillipson as "among the very best nationally" in a letter last month.
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