Haberdashers’ Borough Academy, located in London, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening. The inspection took place on March 5 and 6, 2024, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and personal development were also rated as good, while leadership and management received an outstanding rating. The principal, Thomas Howells, leads the school, which is part of the Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, overseen by CEO Jan Shadick and a board of trustees chaired by Nick Scarles.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, emphasizing values such as community, kindness, aspiration, and resilience. Staff members are dedicated to understanding their pupils, creating positive relationships that contribute to a supportive environment. Pupils feel safe and trust the adults in the school to care for them. The school has high aspirations for all students, who generally exhibit good behavior and respect for one another. Opportunities for pupils to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making are abundant, with an active pupil council that has successfully implemented changes and organized events.
Leaders have effectively managed the challenges faced in recent years, including the development of the school site and the growing student body. The curriculum is rich and broad, tailored to reflect the school community, and teachers possess strong subject knowledge. New teachers receive ample support as they acclimate to the school environment. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of curriculum development, and leaders are committed to reviewing and enhancing the curriculum with the help of subject specialists from the trust.
The school has made strides in sequencing the curriculum to build pupils’ knowledge over time. For instance, as students progress, they gain a deeper understanding of historical topics such as migration and its impact on Britain. In English, they explore significant themes through various literary works. Teachers consistently reference key themes and previous content to help students make connections in their learning.
Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior and have implemented a new behavior system that is well understood by both staff and students. The atmosphere in lessons and throughout the school is calm and purposeful, with pupils generally working hard to achieve their best. Students with special educational needs and disabilities receive the necessary support to succeed.
Pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors, learning about important topics related to their well-being and rights through the tutor program. They are exposed to various career opportunities that inform their subject choices and engage with community service through charitable work.
The trust and local governing body are well-acquainted with the school, ensuring that the welfare of both staff and pupils is prioritized in decision-making. Staff benefit from high-quality training and collaborative work environments, contributing to a positive school culture. Attendance rates are strong, with systems in place to support families in improving attendance when necessary.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, to further improve, the school must continue to embed the new curriculum in subjects that are still developing, providing ongoing training and support for staff. Overall, Haberdashers’ Borough Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
