Question 1

Is The Urswick School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023 across all areas including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Sixth Form Provision. The school has a 500-year history and ranks 9th in Hackney in the current local sixth-form ranking.

Question 2

What are the fees at The Urswick School?

Accepted Answer

The Urswick School is a state school with no tuition fees. The school provides a universal free hot meal to every student daily as part of its commitment to equality. Families should budget for school uniform (costs vary and are available on the school website). Optional contributions are invited for school trips and enrichment activities, but are not compulsory.

Question 3

How is behaviour managed, and what are the pastoral systems like?

Accepted Answer

Behaviour standards are exceptionally high. The school uses transparent, consistent systems understood by all. Teachers are described as fair, firm, and supportive. The school employs dedicated 'walkabout mentors' who maintain orderly spaces and support students. Ofsted noted pupils feel happy and safe, with bullying dealt with swiftly. Senior students mentor younger pupils, creating a culture of mutual support and community.

Question 4

What is the Church of England character like, and does the school welcome all faiths?

Accepted Answer

The school is a voluntary aided Church of England school with genuine Christian worship, teaching, and values embedded throughout the day. However, it is explicitly a school for Christians and non-Christians alike. Approximately 300 Muslim students attend alongside pupils of many other faiths and none. Religious education is compulsory and teaches investigation of major world belief systems. Students report respect for difference. Families uncomfortable with Christian teaching should discuss this directly with the school.

Question 5

Is sixth form provision strong, and where do students go to university?

Accepted Answer

Sixth form is a relative strength. In the current 2025 dataset, 50% of A-level entries achieved A*-B grades, and the school ranks 1,433rd nationally for A-level outcomes. Recent leavers have progressed to Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bath, Warwick, King's College London, and UCL. The school offers specialist mentoring through partnerships with University College London and the Realising Opportunities programme.

Question 6

What are GCSE results, and what about students not going to sixth form?

Accepted Answer

GCSE outcomes place the school below England average in absolute terms, reflecting the starting points of the pupil cohort where 70% are eligible for pupil premium. However, the school provides BTEC and ASDAN qualifications alongside traditional GCSEs. Formal careers guidance, a careers fair, and pathway support help pupils transition to apprenticeships, further education, and employment. GCSE outcomes have shown consistent improvement over recent years.

Question 7

What drama, music, and extracurricular activities does the school offer?

Accepted Answer

Drama is exceptionally strong. The school achieved Artsmark Gold status from Arts Council England and has won local drama competitions with mentorship from EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker. Music spans orchestral, choral, and competitive performance. Sports clubs include football, netball, and volleyball with training at premier facilities like Arsenal. STEM enrichment includes psychology, computing, and media studies. The school regularly organises trips, performances, and competitions.

Question 8

How diverse and inclusive is the school community?

Accepted Answer

The school is genuinely diverse. Approximately 300 Muslim students attend alongside pupils of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and other faiths, and those of no faith. Students consistently report high respect for cultural difference. The school serves a highly deprived community with over 70% of pupils eligible for pupil premium. This context shapes the school's commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage and building protective factors like mentoring, safe spaces, and clear expectations.

Ofsted Inspection

Inspection History

Inspection Categories