Top marks for Fulham school ticking all the boxes

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

A Fulham school where pupils are recorded as regularly contributing to their local food bank has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted report.

The Hurlingham Academy, in Peterborough Road, which had been rated ‘Good’ for more than six years, was upgraded by the watchdog following a visit in March.

Inspectors described the school in their latest report as reflecting “an admirable vision and ambition”, with outcomes at the end of Year 11 “significantly above national averages”.

Leon Wilson, Principal of The Hurlingham Academy, said the report “is as much testament to our students’ brilliant attitudes and achievements as to our wonderful staff, who go above and beyond to give students the best possible education”.

In the new report, pupils are described as ‘proud’ to attend The Hurlingham Academy, where they are “happy, safe and ambitious for their futures”. The report adds the school delivers forms of education beyond academia, with visits to museums and exhibitions part of the curriculum.

“The school helps pupils to understand the importance of being active citizens and positive ambassadors in their wider community,” inspectors noted. “For example, many pupils regularly contribute to the local food bank as part of their ‘house’ activities.”

The report continues to praise the vision of the school, described as ‘admirable’, and the subject knowledge of the teachers. “Pupils develop a deep understanding of the ambitious subject content taught. Outcomes at the end of Year 11 are significantly above national averages.”

The Hurlingham Academy’s approach to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is further highlighted, as is the pupils’ attitudes to learning. The report concludes by noting that “leaders, staff, parents and pupils are proud of being part of The Hurlingham Academy community”.

Commenting on the new grade, Principal Wilson said: “We are so pleased that Ofsted has judged The Hurlingham Academy to be ‘Outstanding’ – an outcome which is strong confirmation of what we offer as a school and of the ambition we have for all our students.”

The Hurlingham Academy is part of the United Learning group of schools. Ben Antell, director of secondary academies at United Learning, said: “This is an impressive, deserved outcome and confirmation of what many of us already know to be true – that The Hurlingham Academy is an exceptional school which delivers the highest standard of education to its young people.”

Pictured top: Pupils engaging in a musical activity at the academy (Picture: The Hurlingham Academy/LDRS)