Chobham Academy, located in the London Borough of Newham, is an all-through academy that opened in September 2013. The school has rapidly grown in size, accommodating a diverse student population from various ethnic backgrounds, with a significant proportion of pupils speaking English as an additional language. The academy is sponsored by the Harris Federation and Lend Lease, and it operates in a purpose-built facility that was previously used for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The recent inspection conducted on June 18-19, 2015, marked the first evaluation of the academy, and it concluded that the school is outstanding in all areas, including leadership and management, behavior and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, early years provision, and sixth form provision. The leadership team, including the principal and governors, has established a clear vision for the academy, which is shared and understood by all staff. This has fostered a collaborative environment where high expectations for pupil achievement and personal development are upheld.
Pupils at Chobham Academy make exceptional progress from their starting points, with ambitious attainment targets being met or exceeded across all key stages and subjects. The unvalidated results for the year indicate that the academy's performance is likely to surpass the national average. The sixth form is particularly noteworthy, with nearly all students achieving examination results above the national average and many gaining admission to prestigious universities.
Teaching at the academy is characterized by high standards, with teachers effectively challenged and supported to deliver engaging learning activities. They utilize various strategies to assess pupil learning and address any gaps in understanding promptly. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a calm and ordered learning environment. The academy has robust systems in place for managing behavior, which are well understood by pupils, contributing to their positive attitudes towards learning.
Safety is a top priority at Chobham Academy, with effective recruitment processes and strong collaboration with pastoral leaders and external agencies to ensure the well-being of all pupils. The early years provision is also outstanding, providing children with high-quality teaching and resources that promote excellent progress from below-average starting points.
The inspection team observed a wide range of learning activities across all key stages and subjects, engaging with pupils, staff, and governors to gather insights into the academy's operations. The feedback from parents and staff was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the high-quality support and encouragement provided by the leadership team.
While the academy has received high praise, it has been noted that there is room for improvement in communication with parents to keep them informed about changes and improvements. The governing body is proactive in addressing this concern and is committed to ensuring that the academy continues to thrive.
Overall, Chobham Academy exemplifies excellence in education, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering an environment where all pupils can achieve their full potential. The leadership, teaching quality, and pupil outcomes reflect the academy's dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience.
