Welcome to Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School
A caring school community where faith, ambitious learning and high expectations help children flourish.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Harper Bell. As Headteacher, I am incredibly proud to lead a school where children are known as individuals, encouraged to aim high and supported by adults who genuinely care about their happiness and success.
Since taking up post in January 2026, I have worked alongside our senior leadership team, dedicated staff and Interim Executive Board to strengthen the education we provide. Together with our children and families, we have achieved remarkable improvements in a short space of time.
Our final October 2026 Ofsted report confirms that Harper Bell no longer requires special measures. Attendance and behaviour meet the strong standard, every other evaluated area meets the expected standard, and safeguarding standards are met.
This is a wonderful achievement for our whole school community. It recognises the commitment behind our improvement and, most importantly, the difference children are experiencing every day.
"Pupils are happy, safe and valued at this rapidly improving school."
Remarkable Progress Through a Shared Commitment
Our improvement has been driven by a clear purpose: to give every child the education, care and opportunities they deserve.
Our senior leadership team has established high expectations and consistent approaches across the school. Staff have embraced professional development and coaching, strengthened their classroom practice and worked together to improve children's learning.
Ofsted recognised the impact of this work:
"Leaders secure rapid and notable improvement across the school."
I feel immense pride in what our community has accomplished. This has been a true team effort, sustained by determination, a willingness to improve and genuine care for our children.
Ambitious Learning and Opportunities to Grow
We have strengthened our curriculum so that children build their knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a carefully planned sequence. Reading, writing and mathematics have a clear emphasis, alongside a broad range of subjects that encourage curiosity and deepen children's understanding of the world.
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Inspectors recognised our ambitious curriculum, effective phonics teaching and improving achievement. Children learn to discuss their ideas, revisit important knowledge and use feedback to improve their work.
Our youngest children make a positive start in the early years, developing confidence, independence and the foundations they need for future learning.
Beyond the classroom, clubs, educational visits, music, sporting activities and leadership opportunities help children discover their interests and develop new ambitions. We want pupils to enjoy learning and recognise the possibilities open to them.
A Calm and Caring Place to Learn
Children learn best when they feel safe, respected and ready to participate. Our consistent routines, positive relationships and high expectations create purposeful classrooms where pupils can concentrate and take pride in their achievements.
"Pupils learn in calm, purposeful classrooms where routines are clear and consistent."
We are particularly proud that attendance and behaviour meet Ofsted's strong standard. Inspectors recognised pupils' kindness, consideration and respect for difference, alongside the effective work with families that helps children attend regularly.
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Inclusion remains central to our work. Staff know children well and provide support to help them overcome barriers to learning. Our Beacon provision offers valuable additional support, and we continue to strengthen specialist approaches for children with more complex needs.
Rooted in Faith and Looking Forward with Confidence
As a practising Seventh-day Adventist and a parent, I understand the importance of an education that nurtures both learning and character.
Our Seventh-day Adventist faith shapes our commitment to educating and caring for the whole child-academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Through worship, prayer, service and learning, we place Christ at the centre of school life while warmly welcoming families from all backgrounds.
We want every child to know they are loved by God, valued by their school community and capable of making a positive difference.
This remarkable inspection outcome gives our community much to celebrate and a strong foundation on which to build. We are proud of the progress achieved in such a short time and determined to keep improving the education we provide.
Our commitment remains:
Every child. Every lesson. Every day.
Come and See the Difference
Strong partnerships with families are essential to our children's success. Thank you to our parents and carers for your support, encouragement and contribution to the school's improvement.
We warmly invite prospective families to visit Harper Bell, meet our dedicated team and experience our welcoming school.
Contact our school office to arrange a visit and discover what Harper Bell could offer your child.
Please read our full October 2026 Ofsted report and share this wonderful news with friends, family and the wider community. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you a school moving forward with confidence.
Mrs Susan Sidhu
Headteacher