‘Transformational’ education at Harris Academy Peckham praised in fantastic Ofsted report

Students at the school are said to achieve “very strong outcomes” as a result of the support and academic provision on offer at the Academy. Throughout the report, inspectors highlighted the “transformational” education which students receive thanks to the “highly ambitious” curriculum and “expert” teaching staff. Students’ attitudes to learning were also praised, with behaviour described as “excellent” both inside and outside the classroom.

The Academy’s “exemplary” approach to ensuring students’ personal development was another focal point of the report. For example, the inspectors noted the positive impact of the Academy’s extensive range of extracurricular activities and programmes such as life coaching and mentoring. These initiatives are said to “broaden pupils’ horizons and inspire them to think ambitiously about their futures”. Further preparing them for life beyond the Academy, the inspectors observed the “strong” careers provision on offer, which sees students hear from a range of employers and further education providers who visit the school.

Leaders at the Academy are described by inspectors as “highly ambitious for the school and the role it plays in their local community”. Inspectors emphasised that, while the Academy is set in a community with high levels of disadvantage, school leaders are determined that this does not hold their students back.

Claudette Bergin, Principal of Harris Academy Peckham, said:

“I am so proud of our fantastic students and staff whose continued hard work and dedication has led to this brilliant outcome. It is particularly pleasing that the inspectors saw the impact of our focus on personal development and how ambitious we are for our students to achieve their very best. Likewise, I am delighted that our diligent teaching staff have been praised for the close attention and adaptability with which they deliver our ambitious curriculum.

“Thank you to everyone in our school community who has contributed to this improved outcome – we hope to continue building on this result for many years to come.”