AIM Academy North London, located at 34 Turin Road, London N9 8DQ, underwent an inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across various categories, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The principal, Clare Darley, leads the school, which is part of AIM Academies Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Philip O'Hear. The executive principal, Paddy McGrath, is responsible for this school and two others.
Pupils at AIM Academy report feeling happy and safe, exhibiting pride in their school. The school maintains clear and consistent routines that promote good behavior and focus on learning in a calm environment. During social times, respect is shown among pupils and staff, and there is a strong anti-bullying culture, with staff taking concerns seriously. The curriculum is ambitious, designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers utilize their subject expertise to create engaging learning experiences, fostering vocabulary development and retention of knowledge. Daily reading sessions are integral to the curriculum, promoting a love for reading among students.
The school emphasizes preparing pupils for their futures, encouraging them to become leaders. Opportunities for character development are abundant, including careers visits and cultural outings. A variety of extracurricular activities are also available to enhance the educational experience. Leaders have carefully identified key knowledge for pupils to learn and remember, structuring the curriculum to build a solid foundation for future learning. For instance, in language classes, Year 7 pupils are introduced to the present tense, which prepares them for more complex grammatical concepts later.
Teachers effectively help pupils retain knowledge by revisiting topics and assessing understanding. The school has a robust approach to identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Regular feedback from teachers aids pupils in improving their work, although there are instances where understanding is not systematically checked before progressing to new content, leading to some gaps in knowledge.
Daily reading lessons are designed to encourage frequent reading, with support provided for pupils at the early stages of learning to read. The school promotes fluent expression of opinions through discussions and has a comprehensive careers program starting from Year 7, offering age-appropriate guidance for future pathways. The behavior policy is well understood, and positive behavior is rewarded, contributing to improved attendance rates.
While most pupils exhibit good behavior, a small minority are passive and do not consistently engage in learning. The school is aware of this and aims to ensure these pupils are identified and supported effectively. Personal development is prioritized, with lessons on safety, discrimination, and healthy relationships. Staff are trained to keep pupils safe and are mindful of their well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders considering staff workload and well-being in decision-making. The governing body provides effective support and challenge to school leaders. Overall, AIM Academy North London demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive school culture.
