The headmaster who transformed a failing school reveals how he did it

David Sellens transformed Thomas Jones, a struggling state primary in west London, into a highly popular and top-ranking school by implementing a clear vision for tidiness, aesthetics, and focused investment in early years education. Despite serving a disadvantaged community, with many pupils living in tough circumstances and being close to the Grenfell Tower site, the school achieves exceptional academic results and fosters a strong sense of possibility among its students. Sellens emphasizes a positive, non-punitive approach to discipline and staff selection, creating an environment where children are encouraged to engage and achieve, with a strong focus on multiculturalism.

• Thomas Jones primary school, led by headmaster David Sellens, is exceptionally popular, with children living very close to the school to qualify for a place.
• The school ranks in the top one per cent of schools in England and was named Primary School Of The Year 2026 by the Sunday Times.
• Despite 41.6 per cent of students qualifying for free school meals, the school achieved 93 per cent of pupils meeting the ‘expected national standard’ in SATs, significantly above the national average.
• Sellens implemented aesthetic changes, a uniform policy, a nursery program, and invested in outdoor spaces to create a positive and stimulating learning environment.
• The school maintains high academic standards, teaching Milton and Shakespeare to Year Six pupils, and employs a positive reinforcement approach to discipline.
• Thomas Jones serves a multicultural population, with 89.5 per cent of students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
• The school operates near Grenfell Tower, with Sellens acknowledging the difficult circumstances and emphasizing that success is achieved through hard work and belief in potential.
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