The Hurlingham Academy, located in Fulham, London, has recently undergone an inspection on March 19 and 20, 2024, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas of evaluation. The principal, Leon Wilson, leads the school, which is part of the United Learning Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Jon Coles and a board of trustees chaired by Richard Greenhalgh. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, where it was rated as good.
Pupils at The Hurlingham Academy take pride in their school and are motivated by the high expectations set by the staff. They feel happy, safe, and ambitious about their futures. The school promotes a caring and harmonious environment, emphasizing respect, kindness, and courtesy. The motto, The Best in Everyone, is actively nurtured by the staff, resulting in exceptional behavior and high academic achievement among students.
The quality of education provided is exceptional, with pupils engaging enthusiastically in lessons and collaborating effectively with their peers. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. For instance, Year 10 pupils demonstrated their understanding of complex mathematical concepts by solving problems using standard index form. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and create a focused learning environment, ensuring that pupils grasp the material being taught.
The school goes beyond academic excellence by offering a rich array of extracurricular activities. Pupils participate in various clubs and visit cultural landmarks, exhibitions, and museums, both locally and internationally. This exposure helps them understand the importance of being active citizens and contributing positively to their community, as evidenced by their involvement in local food bank initiatives.
Leaders at The Hurlingham Academy have established a clear vision and ambition for the school, resulting in a meticulously planned and well-resourced curriculum. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and achieve high standards. Additionally, pupils who require assistance with reading receive timely support, fostering a culture of reading for pleasure.
Pupils exhibit exceptional attitudes towards learning, actively participating in discussions and valuing feedback from their teachers. Attendance rates are high, and the school closely monitors attendance to address any barriers that may prevent regular attendance. The pastoral curriculum is well-planned, covering essential topics such as personal health, safety, and well-being, while also providing guidance on future educational and career pathways.
Parents and carers express appreciation for the quality of education their children receive, and staff benefit from ongoing professional development and support from school leaders. The governing body is well-informed about the school and provides appropriate oversight. The entire school community takes pride in being part of The Hurlingham Academy, which is characterized by its commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of its pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, The Hurlingham Academy stands out as a model of educational excellence, demonstrating a strong commitment to the development and success of its pupils.