The Petchey Academy, located in Hackney, London, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on February 6 and 7, 2024. The school is led by headteacher Omar Deria and is part of the Community Schools Trust, overseen by CEO Simon Elliott and a board of trustees chaired by Chris Rutt. The school serves a diverse student body of 1,006 pupils, including 115 in the sixth form, and caters to students aged 11 to 18.
The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to high expectations for both academic performance and behavior. Leaders and teachers work collaboratively to foster a culture of seriousness towards education, which is generally well-received by students. The school employs a system of recognition, such as the ‘golden ticket’ awarded at the end of lessons to acknowledge student effort. This approach contributes to a positive learning environment where pupils feel safe and supported.
The curriculum is designed with careful consideration, ensuring that it is ambitious and inclusive, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities. The school emphasizes a structured approach to learning, with clear expectations for behavior and classroom conduct. While most students adhere to these standards, some require additional support, particularly those with SEND, who may face challenges in meeting behavior expectations.
The school provides personalized guidance to help students plan their futures, including high-quality work experience opportunities in various fields such as law, medicine, coding, and architecture. This focus on future readiness is complemented by a thorough career guidance program that tracks student interests and provides mentoring sessions with professionals.
Despite the strengths noted in the inspection, the school faces challenges, particularly regarding its behavior policy, which has been found to disproportionately affect students with SEND. The school is encouraged to make reasonable adjustments to better support these students and reduce the likelihood of suspensions. Additionally, while the school offers a range of extracurricular activities, participation is not as high as desired, indicating a need for broader engagement strategies to enhance students' cultural capital.
The school has made strides in addressing reading support, having recently invested in resources and training for phonics instruction. This initiative aims to close gaps for students who are behind in their reading skills. In the sixth form, additional lessons are provided for students who need to improve their GCSE qualifications in mathematics and English.
Attendance is a priority for the school, with leaders actively monitoring and supporting students at risk of high absence rates. The school promotes the importance of attendance and provides education on safety, including online safety, through various channels such as assemblies and lessons.
Overall, the Petchey Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its students. The leadership team is proactive in addressing areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially. The school’s focus on high expectations, personalized guidance, and a well-structured curriculum positions it as a commendable institution within the community.
