Principal’s Welcome

When the academy first opened its doors in 2004, it was a new kind of school. 

As one of the country’s first academies, located in a borough with widespread educational underachievement, it was an attempt to re-imagine what inner-city, non-selective education could be. 

In September 2004, I was the first year group’s Head of Year, and I will never forget the first cohort of 180 Year 7s (now all in their late 20s) lining up in pristine uniforms with a sense of bewilderment and awe. Since then, I have seen this academy turn from an ambitious idea to one of the most talked-about, most celebrated and highest achieving schools in the country. That vision was realised because of simple principles – the highest of expectations, a focus on details and belief in the value of hard work. 

It is my privilege now, as Principal, to welcome you to our website and the gateway to our academy. 

Everything we do is built on the idea that learning and safeguarding come first, from the way we recruit and train our staff to what we expect of our students’ behaviour. Teaching and learning are outstanding, and lessons are planned and delivered with attention to detail to ensure progress. 

In September 2021, we retained our Ofsted judgement of ‘Outstanding’ and outcomes have been amongst the best in the country, year on year, since our first set of public examinations in 2009.  

Our students leave equipped with the confidence, determination and qualifications they need to walk the path of their choosing, guided by the values of courtesy, commitment and a belief in achieving excellence. 

Ms R Warren
Principal