Capital City Academy
Doyle Gardens, Willesden, London, NW10 3ST
www.harrislowewillesden.org.uk
Doyle Gardens, Willesden, London, NW10 3ST
www.harrislowewillesden.org.uk
Pupils
1156
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Academy Sponsor Led
Head Teacher
Mr Joshua Deery
Harris Lowe Academy Willesden is a Co-educational school in London with 1156 students aged between 11-18. The school has a strong academic performance, with 10% of students achieving high scores in key stage 2 and 55% meeting the medium cohort. However, the lower cohort sees only 35% of students achieving desired results, bringing the average to 101.3.
In terms of pastoral care, the school has 1% of students with SEN statements and EHC plans, showing a commitment to supporting all students. Additionally, 74% of students speak English as an additional language, highlighting the diverse community at Harris Lowe Academy Willesden.
The school offers a range of extra-curricular activities to enrich the student experience, promoting holistic development. With a focus on well-being, the school creates a positive atmosphere for learning and growth.
Looking ahead, Harris Lowe Academy Willesden is set to host open days for prospective students and parents to learn more about the school’s offerings. This presents a great opportunity for first-hand experience of the school’s ethos and values.
In conclusion, Harris Lowe Academy Willesden provides a supportive environment for students to excel academically and personally, catering for the needs of all faiths and backgrounds.
Students Reaching
Expected Standards
46%
National Average: 65%
Students Reaching
High Standards
34%
National Average: 11%
Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Capital City Academy on January 30, 2019, following its previous judgment of good in November 2015. The inspection team, led by Ofsted inspectors, found that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under Mrs. Marianne Jeanes, has successfully upheld the standards of education, focusing on determination, empathy, and curiosity, which fosters a sense of belonging among pupils. This positive environment motivates students to engage in their learning, contributing to improved achievement levels. The staff survey indicated that the majority of staff feel proud to work at the school and believe it has improved since the last inspection.
The leadership and governance have been proactive in enhancing teaching quality and ensuring consistency across the school. They have reviewed and expanded the curriculum, particularly in the sixth form, and have implemented effective training for teachers to improve assessment practices. The school’s behavior policy has also been revised to support a positive learning environment. Leaders have accurately identified strengths and weaknesses in teaching and learning, ensuring that teachers receive tailored training to meet their needs. However, there remains a need for further improvement in ensuring that all subjects perform at the same level as mathematics and languages.
Safeguarding practices at the school are effective, with a strong culture prioritizing pupil safety. Staff are well-trained and maintain a systematic approach to monitoring vulnerable pupils, engaging with relevant agencies as necessary. The designated safeguarding lead is actively involved in local safeguarding initiatives, ensuring that the school remains a safe environment for all students.
The inspection focused on several key areas, including the challenge provided to the most able pupils, strategies to raise achievement in science and humanities, and the effectiveness of behavior and welfare initiatives. While there is evidence of strong progress among the most able pupils in English, the impact of training to enhance their learning was not consistently observed across all lessons. In science and humanities, middle leaders have implemented focused training to drive improvement, with some positive outcomes noted in geography. However, science lessons showed less evidence of improved progress.
Pupil welfare and safety are prioritized, with attendance rates above the national average, attributed to the improving quality of teaching. Pupils appreciate the lessons on online safety and the support provided for dealing with issues such as gang culture. The school has implemented new policies to reduce disruption in lessons, and pupils report that bullying is rare and effectively managed.
The inspection concluded with recommendations for the school to ensure that teachers consistently employ effective questioning techniques to enhance the progress of the most able pupils. Additionally, it emphasized the need for subject leaders and teachers to implement the assessment policy effectively and tailor learning to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Overall, the inspection affirmed that Capital City Academy continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to improvement and pupil welfare.
Last Updated: 9 December 2024
The Great British Schools Guide (published by Great British Schools Guide Limited) is currently in launch mode.
We would be grateful if you could email data@greatbritishschoolsguide.com if you find any inaccuracies or would like to update your listing. Thank you.
Comparing, saving and returning to your favourite schools is just a click away