The Willows is a larger than average-sized primary school. The majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds, although there are an increasing number of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is higher than average. This funding provides additional support for children who are looked after and those known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is well above the national average. Pupils’ needs range from moderate learning difficulties, including speech and language and social and emotional needs, to specific learning difficulties. The school has recently restructured its leadership. Since the last inspection there has been a significant change in teaching staff with many new appointments. The running of the school is now overseen by the executive headteacher of Merrylands Primary School, supported by a head of school based at The Willows. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6.