The Excelsior Academy Review 2026: Strong Results and Accelerating Sixth Form Excellence

The Excelsior Academy occupies the site of the former Kingsland School in the Shacklewell area of Hackney, a location that has served east London secondary students since the academy's opening in 2006. The school was initially named after Jack Petchey, the businessman and philanthropist who sponsored its creation to address educational underachievement in Inner London, before rebranding as the Excelsior Academy in 2023 upon joining the Community Schools Trust. With nearly 1,000 students across Years 7 to 13 and a sixth form of around 120 places, this is a mixed, non-selective academy serving one of London's most diverse boroughs. Ofsted rated the school Good in all areas following its February 2024 inspection, confirming solid performance across the board. The sixth form has generated recent headlines for dramatic improvement, with A-level grades jumping an entire grade band in a single year following the introduction of a mobile phone ban and business dress code.

Visitors to Shacklewell Lane encounter a working secondary school in full flow: students move purposefully between lessons, and a sense of orderly learning permeates the campus. The school sits on land that previously housed Kingsland School, and the buildings reflect decades of accumulated educational activity. Headteacher Mr Omar Deria, who joined the academy in April 2022 from Cumberland Community School, has brought demonstrable energy to the institution. The school's stated vision reflects ambition for its students: supporting every child to exceed national expectations whilst offering a wide range of opportunities to develop skills for modern life.

The academy serves a comprehensive intake with considerable diversity. Approximately 95% of students come from ethnic minority backgrounds, and the school actively promotes inclusive values across all activities. With 60% of students eligible for free school meals, the academy serves families across a range of socioeconomic circumstances. The school's commitment to equal opportunities shapes daily practice, from curriculum design through to pastoral structures.

GCSE Performance

The school's GCSE outcomes reflect solid performance in the context of its comprehensive intake. In the most recent examination period, an average Attainment 8 score of 49.5 compares favourably against the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.46 indicates pupils make above-average progress from their starting points, a crucial measure for schools serving disadvantaged communities.

Across key subject areas, the school's performance sits in the national typical band (FindMySchool ranking). The school ranks 1,505th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it 12th among Hackney secondaries and in the middle 35% of schools (FindMySchool data). This represents stable, dependable performance rather than exceptional results, with the school working systematically to strengthen outcomes year on year.

A-Level Performance and Sixth Form Transformation

The sixth form has become a notable success story in recent months. The A-level cohort achieved average grades at B level in summer 2024, a remarkable jump from a C average in the previous year. This improvement has made the Excelsior Academy the most improved sixth form in the country according to government statistics. The shift coincided with the introduction of a phone ban and business dress code requirements. Head Omar Deria has spoken directly about the transformation, noting that students' engagement and interpersonal skills have changed dramatically since the policy shift.

The school's A-level ranking places it 973rd in England (FindMySchool data), and the sixth form is rated Good by Ofsted. With 52% of grades at A*/A and 82% of entries achieving A*-B grades, the sixth form is producing strong university entrance credentials. One Oxbridge place was secured in the most recent measurement period, alongside continued progression to Russell Group universities. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to support students whose families qualify, demonstrating commitment to removing financial barriers.

The curriculum is organised around five defined subject categories: Core (English, mathematics, science), Human Spirit (history, sociology, religious studies), Wider World (geography, foreign languages), Society and The Arts (music, drama, art), and Enterprise and Innovation (food technology, business, design and technology, PE, computing). This structured framework ensures breadth across disciplines whilst allowing students to develop depth in chosen areas.

Teaching is delivered by specialist, experienced staff, with small class sizes at A-level allowing closer working relationships between teachers and students. The school has implemented Dynamic Progress Reporting, providing instant teacher feedback to support learning. Sixth form students also benefit from UpLearn, which supplements subject knowledge with additional resources, and access to Robotics clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom.

The school operates a positive climate for learning with high expectations for behaviour and engagement. Students describe lessons that are well-organised and purposeful. The Big Question programme, running weekly throughout the school, challenges students to engage with topical issues that span subjects and develop critical thinking alongside curriculum knowledge.

In the most recent cohort of leavers (2023-24), 75% progressed to university, 3% to further education, 3% to apprenticeships, and 4% to employment. University destinations are increasingly strong, with the sixth form tracking placements at leading institutions. The Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) programme has achieved National Quality in Careers Standard accreditation, ensuring systematic support for post-18 choices. The school successfully achieved this standard in 2025, recognising the quality of its careers infrastructure.

Year 11 pupils moving into the sixth form receive dedicated support through the transition programme, with clear pathways explained and scaffolding provided. External students applying from other schools also receive bespoke guidance on entry requirements and course selection.

The school's enrichment offer reflects the breadth of student interests and the academy's commitment to developing rounded individuals. The school publishes a detailed Enrichment Timetable of clubs running across the year, with options refreshed termly to maintain variety and engagement.

STEM

Robotics Club attracts students keen to extend learning beyond classrooms, building practical problem-solving skills. Design and Technology has specialist facilities and runs dedicated clubs. The Computing curriculum incorporates competitive elements, with coding clubs and technology projects embedded throughout.

Music and Drama

Music is delivered across Key Stages, with specialist teaching and instrument tuition available. Drama facilities support productions throughout the academic year, offering performance opportunities for students across ability levels. The Arts category within the curriculum ensures music and drama are valued as core components of the school's offer.

Sports and Physical Activity

The Excelsior Academy Sports Club operates on-site with multiple facilities available both to students and the wider community. The school has access to floodlit 3G pitches and football facilities, operated by Powerleague, which supports PE delivery and competitive fixtures. Physical Education is compulsory and the school supports teams competing in local leagues. Students develop fitness and teamwork across a range of activities.

Academic and Enrichment Activities

The Big Question programme forms a cornerstone of enrichment, inviting students to research and reflect on topical issues each week. Assemblies build around these questions, and students are encouraged to complete extension activities independently. This develops literacy, critical awareness, and informed citizenship.

Sixth form students participate in a comprehensive super-curricular programme extending beyond subjects. The school provides ample opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in areas outside the formal curriculum, regarded as essential for opening up career possibilities and university readiness.

Pastoral and Wellbeing Clubs

The school runs anti-bullying initiatives and supports student mental health through dedicated counselling where needed. Careers support is embedded through My Big Career, available to students at results time and throughout Year 13.

Facilities

The sixth form benefits from a dedicated Formal Study Area (FSA) where students can work independently or collaboratively. The school library is well-stocked and overseen by a dedicated librarian. A subsidised cafeteria provides hot meals and refreshments, creating social spaces for students throughout the day. The school website indicates a venue hire service is available for community use, suggesting the campus has modern facilities meeting contemporary standards.

Entry to Year 7 follows Hackney's coordinated admissions process. In 2024, applications exceeded places with a subscription proportion of 2.12 (meaning 2.12 applications per place), indicating strong demand. The last distance offered was 3.97 miles, reflecting the school's drawing area across inner Hackney. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school is non-selective, accepting a comprehensive range of academic abilities. The Academy is part of the Community Schools Trust multi-academy trust, though it adopts Hackney Council's admission arrangements to ensure continuity across the borough.

For sixth form entry, 120 places are available in Year 12. Both internal and external Year 11 students apply directly to the school via Applicaa. Entry requirements are published and available on the school website, with support provided to help students select appropriate courses aligned to their career aspirations.

The school operates a Deaf and Hearing Impairment Resource Base serving students with EHCPs, reflecting commitment to inclusive provision. Students learn alongside hearing peers and receive additional pre-teaching of specialist vocabulary as needed. This resource base adds value for deaf and partially hearing learners across the borough.

School hours: 8:50am to 3:20pm. The academy operates term-based holiday calendars. Bus routes serving Shacklewell Lane include the 488 (stopping directly outside), with nearby routes 67, 76, 149, 236, 243, and 276 accessible within short walking distance. Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland overground stations are approximately 10-15 minutes walk away; Hackney Downs is about 15 minutes walk. Old Street and Liverpool Street stations are accessible by bus for students travelling from wider London.

The school operates the Excelsior Academy Sports Club on-site, with community lettings available through EDU. Parking is available at the site for parents attending appointments.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. Ofsted found behaviour and attitudes to be Good across the school. The school uses restorative approaches and maintains a rewards scheme recognising positive contributions. Students speak positively about feeling safe and included.

The school's safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed and staff receive training in line with statutory requirements. A dedicated safeguarding page on the school website explains procedures to parents and carers.

Pastoral support is delivered through form tutors and year managers, who track student progress and wellbeing. The school acknowledges that some students may need additional support and signposts to counselling services where appropriate. The SENCO works across the academy to coordinate support for pupils with identified additional needs.

Entry demand is high. With subscriptions running above 2:1, securing a place requires either living within the catchment area or having specific reasons prioritised in admissions policy. Families should verify distance from their home and understand the likelihood of gaining a place before relying on the academy.

The sixth form transformation is recent. Whilst the improvement from C to B grades is genuinely impressive, it reflects a single year's cohort and a significant policy shift (phone ban, dress code). Parents should satisfy themselves that this trajectory continues rather than assuming it is embedded.

Comprehensive intake. The school serves a range of academic abilities without selection. Students performing at very high levels will find peers at similar attainment; however, the school is structured to challenge across the spectrum rather than through acceleration programmes for top sets.

A solid, improving comprehensive academy serving one of London's most diverse communities. The school combines orderly management with genuine commitment to broadening students' experiences beyond academics. Recent sixth form improvements have been dramatic and are generating real momentum. The school is well-placed for families living in catchment who want accessible, good-quality secondary education without selective entry tests. For those considering external sixth form entry, the academy's recent transformation and focus on independent study are notable strengths.