Harris Primary Academy Benson, Croydon

In its own words: "Whatever a child's background or starting point, we want to make sure that they leave us with the academic skills, social skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. At Harris Primary Academy Benson we aim to treat everybody with respect."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Harris Primary Academy Benson, we aim to make learning irresistible, ensuring our children develop a genuine, life-long love of learning. We strive for every child to flourish by delivering an enjoyable curriculum that allows all pupils to succeed academically, physically, emotionally, and socially."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £6 per session.

Coming up: an open day on Monday 16 November 2026 at 9.30am, an open day on Thursday 10 December 2026 at 9.30am and an open day on Thursday 7 January 2027 at 9.30am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 76% of Year 6 pupils at Harris Primary Academy Benson reached the expected standard in reading and 82% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 80% and 80% in Croydon and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (83% in reading, 79% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 36 families put Harris Primary Academy Benson as their first choice and 125 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is 1.2 first choices for every place. 8 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Harris Primary Academy Benson are St John's CofE Primary School (0.4 miles, Outstanding, 88% reading, 90% maths); Forest Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 77% reading, 77% maths); Orchard Way Primary School (0.9 miles, 73% reading, 83% maths); and Oak Lodge Primary School (1 mile, Good, 84% reading, 86% maths).

Harris Primary Academy Benson's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Harris Primary Academy Benson is one of 59 schools run by Harris Federation, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 79% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

In 2026, 26 pupils (10.9%) received SEN support and 6 (2.5%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Coombe Lane Tram Stop, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Benson School (->e), 80 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Harris Primary Academy Benson stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 7th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 166 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Croydon (488).

Harris Primary Academy Benson recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Harris Primary Academy Benson are Shirley High School Performing Arts College (0.3 miles), Coloma Convent Girls' School (0.4 miles), Orchard Park High School (0.9 miles) and The Quest Academy (1.4 miles).