The Harris Academy in Bermondsey has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for the second time in a row.
Inspectors visited the school for two days in March and gave the school full marks in every category: achievement, teaching, behaviour, leadership and management.
Both staff and pupils were highly commended in the report.
It read: “The vast majority of teaching staff are swift to respond to the needs of any student who shows the slightest sign of falling behind. Behaviour is outstanding. Students are eager learners who are keen to do their best. Students are spirited, energetic, courteous and well mannered. They are also very caring and supportive towards each other.”
“The curriculum caters exceptionally well for students’ personal needs and for their academic progress. Students’ progress in all subjects is at least good and often outstanding. In many subjects, students’ progress is well ahead of national expectations.”
It also highlighted the fact that every student who left the Academy last year at the end of Year 11 had continued straight into further education or employment.
There were two minor complaints. The report advised that teachers should ‘give students enough time to gather their thoughts’ after being asked questions. Inspectors also suggested that staff should double-check that students were actively responding to feedback.
Principal Alan Dane said: “We are delighted with this feedback from Ofsted and so very proud of our girls and our staff. They work incredibly hard to create an exceptionally happy, productive school. Together we will continue to build on the excellent progress here to maintain this high level of success for years to come.”
Sir Dan Moynihan, Chief Executive of the Harris Federation, echoed this satisfaction with the ‘highly complementary report’.
He said: “Sustaining the top Ofsted rating across a number of years is a significant achievement and the determination of everyone at the school, led by Alan Dane and his team, sets a great example.”