Harris Academy, Eltham Gains Top Rating From Ofsted

Posted by Benson Agoha

Eltham’s Harris Academy has been rated as ‘outstanding’ in every way by school inspectors from Ofsted.

* Artists Impression of Haris Academy, Eltham.
(Photo Credit: Nicholas Hare Architects).

According to Andrew Stern of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the top rating was given the school in its first inspection since it became an academy. He said, the school received top marks from Ofsted for pupils’ achievements, their behaviour and safety, the quality of teaching, and the way the school is led and managed.

It is an impressive turnaround for the academy, in Middle Park Avenue, which was still in ‘special measures’ in 2011. Five Ofsted inspectors went along in July to talk to pupils, staff, parents and governors.

In their report, they said: “Students’ achievement is outstanding. All groups, including those who have special educational needs or are supported by additional funds, make rapid progress.

“The quality of teaching is outstanding. Questions are probing and the tasks set are imaginative and challenging. As a result students are highly engaged in their learning.

“Students’ behaviour is outstanding both in and out of lessons. Students feel safe, attitudes to learning are excellent and relationships are characterised by respect for all.

“The sixth form is outstanding, and students make excellent progress at both AS and A level. Last year 90 per cent of students progressed to university.”

The report added: “Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. It is a very strong feature in the school’s curriculum as well as in all other aspects of the school.

“Leadership and management are outstanding, driven by the enthusiastic and inspirational partnership between the principal and executive principal. They are supported by skilled and committed school leaders who help drive improvement relentlessly. Leaders are committed to ensuring all students achieve their highest potential.”

George McMillan, the principal, said: “I am incredibly proud of these results, and I feel very passionate about what we have achieved.

“In January 2011 the school was in ‘special measures’. Now, for three years in a row, we have achieved some excellent results and given the community a school they can be genuinely proud of.”

Cllr John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “My congratulations to Harris Academy - the students, the staff and the governors - for making excellent improvements all round and achieving a top quality report from Ofsted.”