The UK’s first state-funded Hindu school, Krishna Avanti Primary School in Harrow, has made headlines after receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating in all categories from the country’s education watchdog, Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills). The school, which blends academic excellence with strong moral and cultural values, was praised for its purposeful leadership, engaging curriculum, and the respectful, well-rounded behaviour of its students. The inspection team highlighted how the school has created an inclusive learning environment where children “flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.”

I’m writing about this because the success of Krishna Avanti Primary School represents more than just a good inspection report — it’s a reflection of how diverse faith-based education can contribute meaningfully to mainstream schooling. In a time when education systems are often criticised for losing sight of character building, the school’s balanced approach to academics and values offers a powerful example. It shows that faith-inspired institutions can promote both discipline and open-mindedness while maintaining the highest educational standards. For parents, educators, and policymakers alike, this achievement serves as a case study in how purpose-driven education can truly make a difference.

Ofsted praises Krishna Avanti’s holistic approach

In its latest inspection report, Ofsted described Krishna Avanti Primary as a “purposeful and ambitious school where pupils are eager to learn and staff are committed to excellence.” Inspectors rated the school as ‘Outstanding’ — the highest possible grade — across all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The report noted that students displayed “exceptional enthusiasm for learning” and showed high levels of respect and empathy towards one another. Teachers were commended for their effective lesson planning and for ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, could thrive academically and personally.

According to the report, the school’s leadership team has “a clear moral vision that guides decision-making,” ensuring that its educational practices reflect both academic rigor and the core principles of respect, self-discipline, and compassion — values deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy.

About Krishna Avanti Primary School

Established in 2008, Krishna Avanti Primary School became the UK’s first state-funded Hindu faith school, operating under the Avanti Schools Trust. The school offers a broad-based curriculum that combines modern education standards with spiritual teachings inspired by Hindu traditions such as mindfulness, community service, and moral reasoning.

While English, maths, and science remain central to the curriculum, students also learn Sanskrit, yoga, and philosophy, encouraging both intellectual and emotional development. The school promotes a “value-based education” model, where spirituality complements academic growth rather than competing with it.

The school’s success has inspired the establishment of other Avanti institutions across the UK, including secondary schools and colleges that follow similar educational values rooted in inclusivity, respect, and balance.

Why the Ofsted rating matters

An ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating is a major achievement for any school in the UK education system. It signals that the institution not only meets but exceeds national standards in teaching quality, management, and student development. For Krishna Avanti, this rating carries added significance — as a relatively new and faith-based school, it showcases how Hindu education principles can integrate successfully with Britain’s public education framework.

Ofsted’s recognition also serves as a validation for faith-inclusive schooling, demonstrating that such models can uphold academic integrity while nurturing cultural and moral awareness. The report underlined that Krishna Avanti students were “exceptionally well-prepared for secondary school and life beyond the classroom,” highlighting how the school’s ethos instils both confidence and curiosity.

Balancing tradition with modern learning

One of the standout aspects of Krishna Avanti’s success is its ability to blend tradition with innovation. The school’s daily routine includes meditation and yoga sessions, which help students improve focus and emotional wellbeing. Alongside this, teachers use interactive and technology-supported learning methods to make lessons engaging and relevant.

This balanced approach — merging mindfulness with modern pedagogy — has earned the school admiration from parents and educators alike. Students are taught to value both academic success and moral growth, an approach that reflects the school’s core belief: “Education is the process of learning to live purposefully.”

According to Ofsted, this philosophy translates into a “calm and nurturing environment” where children not only achieve high academic scores but also develop resilience, self-awareness, and a sense of community.

Community and parental involvement

Krishna Avanti’s success also owes much to its strong community engagement. Parents play an active role in school life, contributing to cultural events, volunteer programmes, and wellbeing activities. The school frequently organises festivals, charity events, and cultural workshops, encouraging inclusivity and understanding of diverse traditions.

Teachers and parents collaborate closely through regular communication, ensuring that each child’s learning journey is personalised and supported. This sense of partnership — between school, family, and community — reinforces the school’s commitment to holistic education.

A model for inclusive faith-based education

While the Krishna Avanti Primary School is Hindu in foundation, it welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds, promoting a spirit of mutual respect and shared values. Ofsted’s report highlighted this inclusivity, noting that “pupils learn about different cultures and beliefs, developing an appreciation for diversity in modern Britain.”

The school’s leadership believes that education rooted in faith should never be about separation — instead, it should be a bridge between communities, promoting values like empathy, service, and harmony. In this sense, Krishna Avanti has become a model for how faith-based education can contribute to social cohesion while maintaining high academic standards.