Harris City Academy Crystal Palace

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Students of all abilities make outstanding progress. They are set challenging targets and enjoy their learning.

Students' performance in a wide range of subjects is excellent. The vision and ambition of the Principal, combined with the support and commitment of other leaders and teachers, are crucial elements to the academy's success. Students say how much they value the high quality teaching they receive and their teachers' willingness to give them extra help to prepare them for their examinations.

Skilled managers at all levels in the school carefully track the progress of individual students and provide rapid support for stude...nts where required. The strong focus, throughout all the academy's work, on the promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, enables students to develop leadership skills and teamwork and fosters their creativity. Students are considerate and respectful of each other and staff.

They are exceptionally well behaved and know how to keep themselves safe. The sixth form is outstanding and prepares increasing numbers of students with opportunities to gain places at top universities. Disadvantaged students who are eligible for additional funding achieve higher standards and make better progress than students nationally.

Teachers plan tasks very well so that students of all abilities, including the least and most able, are able to achieve success and enjoy their learning. The resources and support of the Harris Federation is ensuring that all students share high aspirations about progression into higher education and successful life in the world of work. There is an outstanding programme of continuous staff training and development, which includes strong collaborative working through the school's federation.

The academy is significantly oversubscribed and parents are highly positive about the academy's work. This is shown by its own constant analysis and evaluation of parents' views. Governors are extremely knowledgeable about the academy's performance and are playing a highly effective role in shaping future strategic developments.

The academy's curriculum is skilfully organised to provide a large range of subjects. It develops a strong commitment to learning and personal achievement.

Information about this school

This school is larger than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is lower than the national average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The numbers of students eligible for the pupil premium is below average.

The pupil premium is additional funding for students known to be eligible for free school meals and those in local authority care. The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is above the national average. Well over half of the students are from minority ethnic backgrounds.

This is double the national average. The academy is part of the Harris Federation that provides support for its schools including school improvement services. The academy also contributes to the support of other schools in the federation.

The academy is a nationally designated teaching school. No students attend off-site provision although some students in the sixth form study courses at other academies in the federation as part of a shared provision offer. The school meets the current government floor standards which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.