David Sellens, headmaster of Thomas Jones Primary in Notting Hill, has transformed the state school into one of the most sought-after in the country. The school, which serves a community near the Grenfell Tower site, was named Primary School Of The Year 2026 by The Sunday Times and ranks in the top one percent of schools in England. Last academic year, the average distance a child needed to live from the school to qualify for a place was just 96.5 meters.
Sellens, who has been headmaster for 25 years, inherited a school that was in deficit with a high suspension rate and ranked poorly among local primaries. Under his leadership, Thomas Jones now has 236 pupils and, while Sellens emphasizes that exam results are not the sole indicator of quality, 93 percent of pupils achieved the expected national standard in their SATs in 2025, significantly above the national average of 63 percent. The school also serves a significant number of disadvantaged students, with 41.6 percent qualifying for free school meals, compared to the national average of 25.7 percent.
Aesthetic and Environmental Enhancements
Upon arriving at Thomas Jones, Sellens implemented several aesthetic changes aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment. The ceiling heights were raised, walls were painted brilliant white, and cushioned chairs were replaced with pared-back wooden ones. "If a space is free of clutter, children respond differently," Sellens explained. To address the lack of outdoor space for many pupils living in small flats, the school's play area was redesigned, trees were planted, and two beehives were introduced. Ikea candles, typically vanilla-scented, are burned throughout the school during the day.
Early Childhood Education and Curriculum
A key strategy for Sellens was the establishment of a nursery in the school's center, catering to 25 children aged three to four. He believed that investing in the nursery would yield long-term benefits, as families would be more likely to apply for reception places if the school provided a strong early education. Initially funded by the local authority, the nursery now charges fees, though a portion of families receive support.
Sellens also maintains a rigorous academic approach, stating that the school does not "dumb down" conversations with students. By Year Six, pupils engage with works by Milton and Shakespeare, and parents report children discussing complex themes.
Staffing and Discipline
Sellens approached staff appointments cautiously, seeking individuals who aligned with his vision and were enthusiastic about teaching. He enforces a "no cynics" policy, requiring staff to be "effusive about life." Teachers are rotated through different year groups to prevent stagnation. The school operates on a phone-free policy for students who walk themselves to school, requiring them to hand in their mobile devices. Discipline is managed with a positive reinforcement approach, rather than punitive measures. For instance, instead of fining parents for lateness, the school awards a daily "punctuality cup" to the class that arrives most promptly.
Community and Inclusivity
The local council selects which children attend Thomas Jones, with 75 percent coming from the immediate local estate. However, a small percentage of parents who could afford private education have chosen Thomas Jones. The school embraces its multicultural student body, with 89.5 percent of students from ethnic minority backgrounds, representing 32 distinct ethnic categories. Sellens noted that "multiculturalism definitely works here," with no single ethnicity forming a majority.
Despite its successes, Sellens acknowledges the challenges faced by the community, noting the school's proximity to the Grenfell Tower disaster. Five fruit trees have been planted near the school gates in memory of former pupils lost in the fire. Sellens emphasizes that the school instills in pupils a sense of empowerment, encouraging them to believe that "anything is possible" and that their education is their opportunity to succeed.