Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College is an all-through academy located in New Cross, London, serving students from ages three to eighteen. The school has undergone significant improvements following a brief period of decline, with current leadership demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for all pupils. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as good, with leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior, and welfare all receiving good ratings. The early years provision stands out as outstanding, reflecting the school’s dedication to early childhood education.
The principal and leadership team have effectively addressed previous underperformance, resulting in improved standards and higher expectations for pupils. Teachers are actively engaged in professional development, which has led to strong teaching practices across the school. As a result, pupils are making good progress, with current cohorts outperforming previous years. The curriculum is well-structured, catering for the diverse needs of pupils and equipping them with essential skills for future success. The sixth form offers a robust program, enabling students to achieve well in both academic and vocational subjects.
Pupils exhibit positive behavior throughout the school, contributing to a conducive learning environment. The school promotes an inclusive ethos that supports the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its students. Careers education and guidance are key strengths, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future pathways. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, with children making excellent progress in various areas of learning, supported by a transformed outdoor learning environment.
Despite these strengths, there are areas identified for further improvement. Some teachers need to enhance their methods for checking pupil progress during lessons and intervening when necessary. Additionally, there is a need for more challenging tasks for higher-attaining pupils to deepen their understanding. Subject leaders are encouraged to utilize data on pupil progress more effectively to enhance teaching quality.
The governance of the school is strong, with trustees and governors actively involved in monitoring performance and supporting leadership. They have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development, particularly regarding the progress of disadvantaged and higher-attaining pupils. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
In terms of outcomes, the majority of pupils are on track to meet their ambitious targets, with improvements noted in key stage assessments. Reading is promoted effectively, and pupils demonstrate a love for reading, which contributes to their overall academic success. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, make strong progress.
The sixth form is characterized by good leadership and high expectations, with students achieving well and benefiting from a range of enrichment activities. The school is actively working to broaden its vocational offerings to appeal to a wider range of students. Overall, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College is a thriving educational institution that is focused on continuous improvement and the holistic development of its pupils.
