Clapton Girls' Academy Review 2026: An Outstanding Hackney Landmark

Laura Place has been a site of education since the 1630s, but Clapton Girls' Academy (CGA) is firmly focused on the future. Located in the heart of Hackney, this comprehensive academy combines a rich history with a modern, high-achieving ethos. The school was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in May 2024, confirming its status as one of London's leading state schools. With a motto of "Wisdom and Togetherness", it serves a diverse local community where academic ambition sits comfortably alongside a supportive, inclusive culture.

The campus is a striking blend of the old and the new. The Grade II listed Portico building, once the London Orphan Asylum and later a Salvation Army barracks, anchors the site with historical weight. Surrounding it are modern additions named after female pioneers like Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, and Florence Nightingale, signalling the school's commitment to female empowerment.

Ms Anna Feltham, Headteacher since 2016, leads with a vision that prioritises both wellbeing and progress. The atmosphere is described by inspectors as calm and purposeful, where students feel safe and happy. The "Wisdom and Togetherness" motto is not just a slogan; it is woven into the daily life of the academy, fostering a strong sense of sisterhood. The focus is on developing confidence, resiliency, and leadership, with students encouraged to express themselves and take ownership of their learning.

Academic outcomes are consistently strong. In the most recent GCSE examinations, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57.8, well above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 546th in England for GCSE performance, placing it in the top 12% of schools nationally (national high).

Progress is a particular strength. The Progress 8 score of +0.84 indicates that students achieve almost a full grade higher across their subjects than similar students nationally.

At A-level, the trend continues. The academy ranks 771st in England, sitting in the top 30% of schools. In 2024, 58% of A-level grades were A*-B, with nearly 9% at A*. These results reflect a sixth form that successfully bridges the gap between comprehensive intake and elite university entry.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection praised the quality of education as Outstanding. Teachers have deep subject knowledge and plan lessons that challenge students to think critically. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, designed to ensure that no doors are closed to students.

There is a strong emphasis on literacy and oracy, ensuring students can articulate their ideas with confidence. In Key Stage 3, the curriculum remains wide, avoiding early narrowing. By Key Stage 4 and 5, students have access to a vast range of options, from traditional sciences and humanities to creative arts and vocational BTEC courses, which also achieve excellent outcomes.

The academy has built an impressive track record for university progression. In 2024, six students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, a record-breaking achievement for the school. Approximately 50% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, including UCL, King's College London, Manchester, and Bristol.

The sixth form team provides rigorous support for UCAS applications, particularly for competitive courses like Medicine and Law. For those choosing alternative pathways, degree apprenticeships are promoted, with students securing positions at major firms such as J.P. Morgan.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by the London Borough of Hackney. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 512 applications for 174 places, resulting in a ratio of nearly 3 applications per place.

The last distance offered in 2024 was 0.995 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Priority is given to looked-after children, those with medical/social needs, and siblings.

Entry to the Sixth Form is handled directly by the academy. External applicants must meet specific grade requirements, typically including a minimum number of GCSE passes at grade 5 or above, with higher requirements for specific A-level subjects.

Pastoral care is central to the CGA ethos. The school employs the "STEP" model (Social, Thinking, Emotional, Physical) to support student development. A dedicated inclusion team ensures that students with SEND or additional needs are fully integrated and supported to make exceptional progress.

The academy partners with Greenhouse Sports to provide intensive mentoring through sport. This programme helps students develop life skills such as resilience and teamwork. The 2024 inspection highlighted the exemplary behaviour of students, noting that they are polite, respectful, and support one another in lessons and social time.

The extracurricular offer is vibrant and varied, ensuring every student can find a passion. Music is a pillar of school life, with a popular Steel Pans club that performs regularly at community events. The Greenhouse Sports partnership delivers high-quality coaching in basketball and tennis, with teams competing at a high level.

Drama and public speaking are also strengths. The "Barbican Box" project allows students to create and perform original theatre, while the debating society prepares students for regional competitions. Other clubs range from rowing and coding to the medical society for aspiring doctors.

Trips and visits are frequent, taking advantage of the London location to visit galleries, museums, and universities, expanding students' horizons beyond the classroom walls.

The school day typically begins at 8:35 am and finishes at 3:00 pm, though many students stay later for clubs and intervention sessions. The school is located on Laura Place in Lower Clapton, easily accessible by local bus routes and Clapton Overground station. Parents should note that there is no on-site parking for drop-off.

Urban location: The school is in a busy part of Hackney. While the site is secure, the surrounding streets are lively and urban, which requires streetwise awareness from students travelling independently.

Oversubscription: With three applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families living more than a mile away should be realistic about their chances and have a backup plan.

Single-sex education: The main school is strictly for girls. Families seeking a co-educational environment will need to look elsewhere, although the single-sex setting is cited by the school as a key factor in building student confidence.

Clapton Girls' Academy is a beacon of state education in London, proving that a non-selective intake can achieve elite outcomes. With its Outstanding rating, record Oxbridge success, and nurturing "Wisdom and Togetherness" culture, it offers a first-class education without the fees. Best suited to ambitious local girls who will thrive in a diverse, supportive, and academically rigorous environment. The main challenge is securing a place.