Fresh from a glowing inspection, City of London Academy, Shoreditch Park has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in Hackney education. In January 2025, Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in all areas, praising the exceptional quality of education and leadership. This verdict confirms the academy's status not just as a local choice, but as a destination for families seeking rigorous academic standards without tuition fees.
Sponsored by the City of London Corporation, the school benefits from a unique relationship with the Square Mile. This connection is more than just branding; it translates into tangible enrichment opportunities, professional networking for students, and a culture that mirrors the corporate professionalism of the City. The permanent building on Hyde Road, opened in 2021, provides a modern, collegiate backdrop to this ambitious ethos.
The atmosphere is purposeful and distinctly professional. The school operates with high expectations for behaviour and uniform, fostering an environment where learning is disruption-free. The recent Ofsted report highlights that students feel safe, happy, and are proud of their school community.
The "City" identity is woven into the daily experience. Students are encouraged to look beyond the classroom to future careers, with the sponsorship providing access to Livery Companies and City businesses. This creates a culture of aspiration that feels markedly different from a standard comprehensive.
Facilities are state-of-the-art. The compact but cleverly designed site includes specialist science laboratories, a dedicated Sixth Form centre, and a rooftop sports pitch that maximises space in the urban setting. The architecture is functional yet inspiring, designed to prepare students for professional workspaces.
Academic outcomes are strong and improving, validated by the 2025 Outstanding rating. In 2024, the school ranked 489th in England for GCSE results, placing it in the top 10% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 4th in Hackney, a borough known for its competitive state schools.
The Progress 8 score of +0.68 is particularly significant. It indicates that students achieve, on average, more than half a grade higher per subject than peers with similar starting points across England. This value-added performance demonstrates that teaching here actively lifts student attainment.
Sixth Form performance is equally robust. Ranked 626th in England for A-levels, the academy sits in the top 25% nationally. In 2024, 67% of A-level grades were A*-B, ensuring that the majority of leavers are well-positioned for top-tier universities.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
67.21%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is knowledge-rich and academically demanding. Teachers focus on direct instruction and deep understanding, ensuring students master key concepts before moving on. The school offers a broad range of subjects, including separate sciences and Latin, reflecting its belief that all students should have access to a "grammar school" style curriculum.
Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is fully integrated. Teaching assistants and specialist staff work alongside subject teachers to ensure the rigorous curriculum remains accessible to all, a strength noted by inspectors.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by the London Borough of Hackney. The school is popular and typically oversubscribed. For the 2024 intake, the last distance offered was 3.15 miles, though this can vary annually.
Unlike schools that select by distance alone, City of London Academy Shoreditch Park uses "fair banding" to ensure a balanced intake.
This is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees for students aged 11-19. Education is free at the point of entry.
The Sixth Form is a launchpad for university and professional careers. The majority of students progress to higher education, with a strong contingent securing places at Russell Group universities.
The corporate sponsorship plays a vital role in destinations. Students have access to degree apprenticeship pathways in finance, law, and business that are often less visible in other schools. The careers programme ensures that students leave not just with grades, but with a clear plan for their professional future.
Applications
580
Total received
Places Offered
169
Subscription Rate
3.4x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is structured around Year Groups. Heads of Year act as the non-teaching champions for their cohort, focusing entirely on wellbeing and behaviour. This structure ensures that no student slips through the cracks.
The "House" system adds a layer of community, fostering healthy competition in sports and debating. It gives younger students a sense of belonging within the larger school population.
The enrichment programme is designed to build "cultural capital." The school leverages its London location and City links to offer opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
A strong tradition in the Trust, with opportunities to perform at prestigious City venues.
Maximising the rooftop facilities and nearby Shoreditch Park for competitive fixtures.
From residential stays to visits to City livery halls, the extracurricular calendar is busy and varied.
Starts at 8:30am, with enrichment often extending beyond the 3:10pm finish.
Excellent links via Haggerston and Hoxton Overground stations, plus numerous bus routes along Kingsland Road.
Strict business-like dress code, especially in the Sixth Form.
City of London Academy, Shoreditch Park offers a compelling package: an Outstanding education, a modern campus, and unique professional connections, all without a price tag. It suits families who want the rigour and aspiration of a private school combined with the energy and diversity of a modern London academy. For those who value discipline and ambition, it is one of the standout choices in Hackney.
Yes. The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in January 2025. It consistently ranks in the top 10% of schools in England for GCSE results.
No. It is a state academy and is completely free to attend.
It is not a pass/fail entrance exam. All applicants sit a Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) to place them into ability bands. The school then takes an equal number of students from each band to ensure a mixed-ability intake.
In 2024, the last distance offered was 3.15 miles. However, because of the banding system, distance criteria are applied within each band. Living close by improves your chances, but the banding adds a layer of complexity.
Yes. The Sixth Form is high-performing and academically selective, with strong progression to Russell Group universities and degree apprenticeships.
Get in touch with the school directly
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