The City Academy, Hackney
Homerton Row, Hackney, London, E9 6EA
Homerton Row, Hackney, London, E9 6EA
Pupils
1138
Ages
11 - 19
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Academy Sponsor Led
Head Teacher
Ms Anna Sarchet
The City Academy, Hackney, is a vibrant co-educational school in London, catering for a diverse student body of 1138 pupils aged 11-19. The school’s academic performance is impressive, with 24% of students achieving high scores in Key Stage 2 and a further 63% meeting the medium cohort. The average score currently stands at a commendable 105.6.
The school’s pastoral care is exceptional, providing a nurturing environment that promotes student wellbeing. The school’s SEN provision is also noteworthy, with 5% of students having SEN statements and EHC plans. This demonstrates the school’s commitment to inclusivity and personalised learning.
The City Academy, Hackney, offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, encouraging students to develop their interests and skills beyond the classroom. The school’s diverse linguistic environment, with 50% of students speaking English as an additional language, enriches the cultural experience for all students.
The school is welcoming to students of all faiths, fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding. The gender balance, with 60% boys and 40% girls, contributes to a dynamic and balanced learning environment.
In summary, The City Academy, Hackney, provides a high-quality education, excellent pastoral care, and a rich array of extra-curricular activities. Its commitment to inclusivity and diversity creates a positive and stimulating atmosphere for all students. Keep an eye out for their forthcoming open days to experience this first-hand.
Students Reaching
Expected Standards
71%
National Average: 65%
Students Reaching
High Standards
55%
National Average: 11%
The City Academy, Hackney, was inspected on 28 and 29 March 2023, and the overall effectiveness was rated as good. The school has a strong focus on providing a safe and supportive environment for its pupils, promoting a warm but strict approach that fosters a calm and purposeful learning atmosphere. Behaviour is generally orderly, with high expectations set by leaders for conduct both inside and outside the classroom. Incidents of bullying are infrequent, and when they do occur, they are addressed promptly and effectively.
The curriculum at The City Academy is ambitious, with clearly defined goals for what pupils should learn and retain. It encourages understanding and respect for diversity, with English texts selected to help pupils reflect on the experiences of others. All pupils engage in a broad curriculum and achieve well, particularly in the sixth form, where the provision is rated as outstanding. The school offers a variety of enrichment opportunities, including a compulsory additional studies programme and extended school days. For instance, Year 7 pupils learn a musical instrument of their choice, while Year 12 students participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
The school has developed a balanced curriculum known as The City Experience, which values academic, creative, sporting, and language subjects equally, while also supporting personal development. Subject leaders have carefully sequenced the knowledge pupils need to learn, ensuring that they embed their understanding before progressing to more complex concepts. Teachers demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and present material with clarity, effectively deepening pupils' learning, especially in the sixth form. Regular assessments are used to check understanding, contributing to students' excellent progress.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive a broad curriculum and high-quality support in specific nurture classes. However, there are instances where the teaching does not fully incorporate the SEND-first approach, leading to less tailored support for some pupils. This can affect their learning outcomes. The school provides one-to-one phonics sessions for early readers, but this support is not consistently well-targeted, impacting the effectiveness of reading interventions.
Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. When low-level disruptions occur, teachers implement the behaviour policy effectively. Although fixed-term suspensions are relatively high, they are used appropriately, and efforts are being made to reduce their frequency through training for behaviour mentors and additional staffing in the reflection room.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, covering a wide range of topics that pupils can recall in detail. The school ensures that pupils are exposed to various career options, particularly in the sixth form, helping students make informed decisions about their future.
Leaders are reflective and aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff feel supported and believe the school is well-led, although some express concerns about workload. Leaders are actively working to address these concerns by reviewing marking and assessment policies. Governors are knowledgeable about the school's operations and provide appropriate challenges, while also ensuring that parents and carers feel informed and included in the school's activities.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. The safeguarding team is well-trained and collaborates with local agencies to support pupils. Regular training for staff ensures they are knowledgeable about safeguarding issues, and the curriculum teaches pupils how to stay safe, including online. Overall, The City Academy, Hackney, demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
Last Updated: 9 December 2024
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