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Harris Academy St. John’s Wood judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Harris Academy St. John’s Wood has been judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its first inspection since it joined the Harris Federation.

The report showcases a significant transformation at the school which, on its last inspection as Quintin Kynaston, was placed in ‘special measures’.

Of the five areas judged by Ofsted, two were found to be ‘Outstanding’ already – the behaviour and attitudes of the academy’s students, and the Sixth Form.

As well as praising the ‘well-crafted curriculum’ on offer at the academy, the report notes the exceptional education and support provided to all students.

Highlights include:

• On behaviour, described by inspectors as “impeccable”:
  • “Pupils know that standards of behaviour are given high priority in this school. Leaders expect nothing less than excellent and that is what they get.”
• On academic success:
  • “Whatever their background, pupils go on to achieve very well in GCSE examinations and in a wide range of courses in the sixth form.”
  • “Disadvantaged students achieve very well.”
  • “Almost all students go on to higher education, many to top universities, including disadvantaged students.”
• On parents: “The partnership with parents is strong and they are highly supportive of the school.”

Inspectors noted just one area that needs to be addressed to make the academy an  ‘Oustanding’ school. This is to ensure that Year 9 pupils continue the full range of subjects they studies in Years 7 and 8, rather than focusing on their GCSE choices. As Ofsted notes, the academy is already working towards this.

Mr Graeme Smith, Principal of Harris Academy St. John’s Wood, said:

“Our report showcases the progress that has been made over the past three years to transform our school into the happy and successful place of learning it is today. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the outcome of this report and we will continue to work tirelessly on our journey towards ‘Oustanding’.”

Mr Nick Soar, Executive Principal of Harris Academy St. John’s Wood, added:

“I would like to thank and congratulate students, staff, parents and governors for their fantastic efforts in making this school thrive. The report mirrors the huge improvements in our results since opening, with the academy now in the top 10% of schools for GCSEs and the top 25 school in the country for student progress at A Level.”

Mr Rob Hewitt, Chair of Governors at Harris Academy St. John’s Wood, said:

“The result of the recent Ofsted inspection is testament to the transformation of the school over the last two and a half years into an institution that combines excellent results with the highest standards of behaviour. This reflects the tireless work of the staff, well supported by the Harris Federation and the governors, in creating an environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities can flourish.”

Our students added:

• Hari in Year 9:  “Reading this report makes me confident going into my GCSE years and fills me with hope for the things the school can achieve and give to students. It makes me proud of the improvements the school has made and glad to be a part of the school community.”
• Sixth former Shilan: “As a member of the Sixth Form, I’m very proud of the report. I have been at the school since Year 7 and we have come a long way as a school and as a team.”