Harris Academy Clapham, located in London, has undergone its first inspection since opening in September 2020. The inspection, conducted on February 2 and 3, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management also rated as good. Notably, personal development received an outstanding rating, highlighting the school's commitment to fostering students' growth beyond academics.
The school is dedicated to understanding and supporting its pupils, ensuring that each individual receives the best possible outcomes. Students express high satisfaction with the support provided by teachers and leaders. The curriculum is well-structured, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While teachers generally help students build and apply their knowledge effectively, there are some subjects where the expertise in supporting learning could be enhanced.
Pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular and leadership activities, with a recently introduced house system that encourages participation and promotes understanding of British values. The school has implemented new rules and routines that foster positive behavior, which are appreciated by both staff and students. Consistent application of these expectations ensures that learning is not disrupted, and incidents of bullying are rare and addressed promptly.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, with leaders believing in the importance of character development. They encourage pupils to embrace the idea that everything is possible, and students recognize the support they receive from their teachers in achieving success. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, with all pupils in Years 7 and 8 learning Mandarin, showcasing the school's commitment to providing a rich educational experience.
Subject leaders are well-supported and utilize their expertise to plan effective lesson sequences, ensuring that pupils build on their existing knowledge. Assessment practices are employed to reinforce understanding and address any gaps in knowledge. However, there are inconsistencies in how effectively this approach is applied across different subjects, with some teachers occasionally setting work that does not adequately support long-term retention of subject content.
The school is proactive in supporting pupils with special educational needs, employing tailored approaches to meet individual needs. Reading is prioritized, with teachers modeling reading strategies and providing additional support for those at earlier stages of development. The PSHE curriculum is methodically planned to equip pupils with essential knowledge about the world, including healthy relationships and career guidance.
Leaders value professional development and support staff well-being, ensuring that the governing body is trained to fulfill its role effectively. The school has established a strong culture of safeguarding, with all staff trained to follow procedures that keep pupils safe. Leaders are aware of local issues affecting young people and ensure that appropriate referrals are made when necessary.
To improve further, the school must ensure that teaching consistently supports pupils in achieving the ambitious goals of the curriculum. This includes providing ongoing professional development to enhance teachers' subject expertise. Overall, Harris Academy Clapham demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils.
