Aylward Academy Review 2026: Community Ambition in Enfield

Aylward Academy stands as a significant educational hub in Edmonton, serving a diverse community in North London. Part of the Lift Schools network (formerly Academies Enterprise Trust), the school operates with the motto "Find Your Remarkable". This ethos permeates the corridors of the large site on Windmill Road, where over 1,400 students navigate their secondary education.

The academy has evolved since its days as Gladys Aylward School. Today, it positions itself as a modern, forward-looking institution. While it faces the challenges typical of an inner-London comprehensive, the school benefits from the resources and strategic oversight of a large multi-academy trust. The connection to Lift Schools brings specific language and structures to school life, focusing on "unusually brave" leadership and "big-hearted" community engagement.

The atmosphere at Aylward is energetic and purposeful. Students arrive in smart blazers, and the site itself is a mix of older architecture and modern additions, reflecting the school's transition to academy status. The environment is one of clear structures; staff presence is high during breaks and transitions, ensuring a sense of order in what is a busy, large school.

Mr Joseph Lawlor, who became Principal in 2024, leads with a focus on high expectations. His leadership builds on a drive to raise aspirations, encouraging students to look beyond their immediate postcode for future opportunities. The school operates a House system that fosters competition and belonging, breaking the large student body into smaller, manageable communities.

Walking through the communal areas, one notices the emphasis on celebration. Displays highlight not just academic success but resilience and community service. The student body is culturally diverse, reflecting the rich tapestry of Enfield, and the school celebrates this inclusivity as a core strength.

Performance at Aylward Academy presents a mixed picture, with a clear distinction between the main school and the Sixth Form.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, the school's performance at GCSE sits in the national lower band. Ranked 3,004th in England and 21st locally in Enfield for GCSE outcomes, the results reflect a cohort with varied starting points. The Progress 8 score of -0.28 indicates that, on average, students achieve slightly less progress across eight subjects compared to their peers nationally with similar primary results. However, 8.5% of students achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc), demonstrating that academic rigour is available for those pursuing the traditional suite of subjects.

Sixth Form Performance

The narrative changes significantly at Post-16. The Sixth Form performance is solid, ranking 1,211th in England. This places the provider in the national typical band, performing in line with the middle 35% of schools and colleges in England. Locally, the Sixth Form ranks 9th in Enfield.

Top Grades & Oxbridge Success

The top end of the cohort achieves highly. In the Sixth Form, over 53% of grades awarded were A*-B. Most notably, the school has proven it can support the very highest aspirations; in the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge University, a significant achievement that underscores the potential for elite success here.

The curriculum is broad, designed to cater to a wide range of abilities and interests. In Key Stage 3, students follow a standard national curriculum model, with a focus on securing core skills in English and Mathematics. The school uses setting in core subjects to allow for targeted teaching, ensuring that support is directed where it is most needed while stretching the most able.

At Key Stage 4, the options expand. Alongside the traditional GCSEs, there is a strong vocational offering. This vocational pathway is a key pillar of the school's provision, suiting students who thrive on practical application. Business, Health and Social Care, and IT courses are popular and well-resourced.

Teaching is structured and consistent, following the Trust's pedagogical principles. Lessons often begin with recall activities to settle classes and reinforce prior learning. Teachers emphasise "knowledge organisers"—summaries of key facts—which students are expected to use to build long-term memory. This systematic approach helps build confidence, particularly for students who benefit from clear routines.

Destinations data highlights the school's role as a springboard for diverse futures. In the 2024 cohort, 53% of leavers progressed to university. This figure represents a healthy proportion of the student body choosing higher education.

For the most ambitious, the pathway is clear. The acceptance of a student to Cambridge demonstrates that the Sixth Form team has the expertise to guide students through the rigorous Oxbridge application process.

Not all students choose the university route; 5% moved into apprenticeships, and 15% entered employment directly. The school's careers advice is robust, with regular fairs and connections to local employers helping students understand the options available to them beyond the classroom.

Admissions to Aylward Academy for Year 7 are coordinated by the London Borough of Enfield. The school is popular; in the most recent intake, it was oversubscribed, receiving 359 applications for 213 offers. This yields a subscription proportion of approximately 1.7 applications per place, indicating healthy local demand.

The school is non-selective and inclusive. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with exceptional medical or social needs, and siblings of current students. The remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school to the student's home.

Parents should apply via the Enfield eAdmissions portal. The deadline is 31 October for entry the following September. Late applications are processed after the initial offers round, significantly reducing the chance of securing a place.

Pastoral care is structured around the House system and year groups. Each student is assigned a tutor who is the first point of contact for daily concerns. The school employs non-teaching pastoral managers, which is a significant asset; these staff members are available throughout the day to deal with issues immediately, without being tied to a teaching timetable.

Safeguarding is a priority. The school has a dedicated team that works closely with external agencies in Enfield to support vulnerable students. Wellbeing initiatives include sessions covering mental health, resilience, and personal safety.

Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions. The school is strict on uniform and punctuality, viewing these as essential preparation for the world of work.

The extracurricular offer aims to broaden horizons. Sport is a central pillar, with the sports hall and outdoor courts hosting clubs for basketball, football, and netball. The academy competes in borough fixtures, and the PE department is active in encouraging participation.

STEM: Innovation and Logic

The school promotes STEM subjects through specific clubs. Science Club allows younger students to experiment beyond the curriculum, while the Maths Challenge team competes in national competitions. The "Remarkable Lives" programme often brings in speakers from industry to highlight careers in technology and engineering.

Creative arts also feature, with annual productions and music showcases allowing students to perform. While not a specialist music college, the facilities include practice rooms and a drama studio that support a vibrant arts culture.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Education is funded by the government, making it free for all students.

Families should budget for additional costs such as uniforms, sports kits, and optional school trips. The school uniform policy is strict, and parents are advised to purchase specific items from approved suppliers.

Financial support is available for eligible families. Students may qualify for Free School Meals if parents receive certain benefits. In the Sixth Form, the 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial assistance to students who need help with education-related costs, such as books, transport, or equipment.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm, though intervention sessions for Year 11 and Sixth Form often extend beyond this. The site is located on Windmill Road, accessible via local bus routes and close to Upper Edmonton. There is no on-site parking for parents, so using public transport or walking is encouraged.

GCSE Outcomes: While the Sixth Form performs well, the main school's GCSE outcomes are statistically in the national lower band. Families of highly academic children should discuss how the school stretches the most able at Key Stage 4 to ensure top grades.

Large Site: With nearly 1,500 students including the Sixth Form, this is a large, busy school. It suits students who are resilient and can manage themselves in a bustling environment. Quieter children may need time to adapt to the scale of the institution.

Academy Context: Being part of a large trust (Lift Schools) means policies are often standardised across many schools. This brings resources and stability but can sometimes feel less bespoke than a smaller, standalone school.

Aylward Academy is a community school with a "big heart" and growing ambition. While GCSE results overall sit below the England average, the Sixth Form demonstrates that students here can and do achieve excellent outcomes, including places at elite universities. It is best suited to local families wanting a structured, supportive environment with a strong vocational offer and a Sixth Form that adds real value. The main challenge is ensuring high attainers maintain their trajectory through the middle years.