City of London Academy Islington

From the same corridors where pupils once secretly recorded backing vocals for Pink Floyd's chart-topping single, City of London Academy Islington has emerged as one of Islington's most transformed secondary schools. The 2025 Ofsted inspection confirmed what local families have observed for years: this is a school where no child is left behind, rated Outstanding across all areas. Sponsored jointly by the City of London Corporation and City, University of London, the academy occupies a purpose-built campus completed in 2010, replacing the 1960s buildings of its predecessor, Islington Green School. With approximately 900 pupils aged 11 to 18, including a joint sixth form arrangement with Highbury Grove, the school combines comprehensive intake with genuine academic ambition.

The atrium at the heart of the building floods natural light through three floors of classrooms and communal spaces. Designed by Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, the 8,060 square metre building sits between 19th and 20th century residential streets in Prebend Street, its height deliberately restricted to maintain the character of its surroundings. Sustainable features including a ground source heat pump, green roof, and photovoltaic panels signal the school's forward-thinking ethos.

Pupils move between lessons calmly and purposefully. They settle quickly and contribute readily to group discussions. This is not accidental. Leaders have established a calm and focused school environment with high expectations. The behaviour visible in corridors and classrooms reflects explicit teaching of expectations, consistently reinforced.

Principal Laurence Glees took the helm in September 2024, inheriting an institution shaped by Clare Verga's transformational leadership from 2012 to 2020. Under Ms Verga, the school moved from failing its Ofsted inspection in 1997 to achieving Outstanding. The current team continues this trajectory. The tagline, Where Students Succeed, appears throughout the building, not as aspiration but as observable reality.

The Richard Cloudesley School, a special needs secondary school, shares the site. This co-location is deliberate. Sixth form students volunteer at the SEND school, building relationships and understanding that enrich both communities. Year 8 pupils serve as school concierges, greeting visitors and developing confidence. Elected student ambassadors and prefects represent the academy at external events. Leadership opportunities are embedded, not exceptional.

GCSE Results

GCSE outcomes reflect solid performance. In 2024, the Attainment 8 score was 45.5, marginally below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.13 indicates pupils make slightly more progress than their peers nationally with the same starting points. This positive value-added metric matters more than raw attainment for a comprehensive school serving a mixed catchment.

The school ranks 2,174th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally (25th to 60th percentile). Within Islington, it ranks 10th among secondary schools. 61% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics GCSEs, with 35% achieving grade 5 or above in both subjects.

The 2025 Ofsted inspection noted that the curriculum is ambitious and broad. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information with clarity. Staff model question-answering techniques and build effectively on prior learning. These teaching characteristics support the positive progress outcomes.

A-Level Results

The sixth form provision operates jointly with City of London Academy Highbury Grove. In terms of standalone A-level performance at Islington, 45.8% of grades achieved A*-B, with 16.2% at A*-A and 2.1% at A*. These figures sit slightly below the England average of 47.2% at A*-B and 23.6% at A*-A.

The school ranks 1,536th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally. Within Islington, it ranks 6th for sixth form provision. For context, the combined GCSE and A-level ranking is 1,433rd in England.

The Ofsted inspection confirmed that students in the sixth form receive strong preparation for their next academic steps. Psychology teachers, for example, use targeted questioning to probe understanding and address misconceptions. Students benefit from an exceptional pastoral development programme that includes careers guidance, support, and advice.

The curriculum follows a mastery approach at Key Stage 3, building deep understanding before moving to new content. This structure appears in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Design and Technology, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and PSHCE.

At Key Stage 4, the curriculum narrows to GCSE options while maintaining breadth. The EBacc entry rate of 12.3% sits below the England average of 40.5%, reflecting the school's pragmatic approach to student pathways rather than forcing all pupils through academic subjects regardless of suitability.

The 2025 Ofsted inspection identified areas for development within an otherwise strong picture. In some subjects, checks on pupils' understanding lack clarity, and teaching does not always address emerging misconceptions promptly. For pupils with SEND, while support is typically well-adapted, teaching in a few subjects is not sufficiently tailored, sometimes assigning tasks that are overly difficult. Pupils requiring reading assistance are identified quickly and paired with adults for targeted practice.

Teachers have expert subject knowledge. The inspection noted that staff explain concepts clearly and model approaches effectively. This consistency across departments creates a predictable, structured learning environment where pupils know what to expect.

In the 2023/24 cohort of 34 sixth form leavers, 65% progressed to university. A further 15% moved directly into employment, while 6% began apprenticeships. The school secured one Cambridge acceptance from two applications during the measurement period, demonstrating that Oxbridge is achievable from this state comprehensive.

The joint sixth form arrangement with Highbury Grove, and the broader Islington Collegiate Sixth Form (ICS), provides access to 12 A-level subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology. This academic offering focuses on traditional facilitating subjects valued by competitive universities.

A super-curricular programme extends learning beyond A-level specifications. Recent activities include a student trip to CERN and participation in inter-school debate competitions. Guest speakers have included Jeremy Corbyn and Baroness Lola Young. These experiences build cultural capital and strengthen university applications.

The school emphasises employability alongside academic routes. With 15% of leavers entering employment directly, pathways beyond university are treated as legitimate choices rather than consolation prizes. Work experience placements are coordinated through a dedicated careers service, and the Deloitte Access programme offers insights into professional services careers.

City of London Academy Islington admits 140 pupils to Year 7 annually. The school uses a banding system, grouping applicants into four ability bands based on a non-verbal reasoning test sat in October or November. This ensures the intake reflects the full ability range rather than favouring higher-attaining applicants.

Banding tests for 2025/26 entry are scheduled for Saturdays 18 October and 8 November 2025, by appointment only. Applications must be submitted through the Islington Council eAdmissions portal by 31 October. Offers are released on National Offer Day in early March, with families given two weeks to accept or decline.

The school is oversubscribed. The last distance offered varies by band: in the most recent cycle, Band 1 admitted to 2.016 miles while Band 2 admitted to 1.798 miles. Distances may extend further in some circumstances. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Open events for prospective families include open mornings on Thursdays at 9:00am to 10:15am on 2, 9, and 16 October 2025, and an open evening on Wednesday 24 September 2025 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. These events offer the best opportunity to experience the school's atmosphere before applying.

For sixth form entry, applications are directed to the Highbury Grove campus, which manages the joint provision. Entry requirements focus on prior attainment, though specific grade thresholds are not published on the main website.

Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, those with EHCPs naming the school, siblings, and then distance from the school gates. A separate social and medical application route exists for families with exceptional circumstances.

The personal development programme builds leadership skills from Year 8 upwards. School concierge roles for younger pupils develop confidence and responsibility. Student ambassadors and prefects represent the academy externally, creating visible pathways to leadership.

Sixth form students contribute to the wider community through volunteering at Richard Cloudesley School, the co-located SEND provision. This structured opportunity develops empathy and communication skills while providing genuine support to a neighbouring school community.

The inspection noted that pupils develop the skills they need to succeed both in school and in their future careers. Behaviour is respectful, reflecting leaders' high expectations. The calm corridors and focused classrooms evidence effective pastoral systems rather than heavy-handed discipline.

Careers guidance features prominently. Dedicated support helps pupils manage post-16 and post-18 choices. Work experience placements are coordinated centrally, ensuring all pupils access meaningful professional exposure. The Deloitte Access programme offers structured engagement with a major employer, particularly valuable for pupils without professional networks at home.

Sport

Physical Education at Key Stage 3 includes two lessons weekly covering football, rugby, handball, netball, trampolining, badminton, table tennis, cricket, gymnastics, canoeing, athletics, rounders, softball, short tennis, dodgeball, yoga, fitness, pilates, and dance. This range ensures pupils encounter activities they can pursue beyond school.

The school's facilities include a 3G 5-a-side football pitch and an indoor sports hall. A prefabricated timber sports hall, constructed as part of the 2010 building programme, hosts indoor activities and futsal matches.

At Key Stage 4, pupils choose between BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport alongside core PE, with options for Competition and Performance or Participation and Recreation pathways. This flexibility accommodates both competitive athletes and those seeking lifelong fitness habits.

Inter-school competition operates in multiple sports, supplemented by house competitions that provide lower-stakes opportunities for participation. Football teams compete locally, with an Elite Football Academy launching for sixth form students in September 2025.

Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force contingent is affiliated with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), one of the British Army's most historic units. CCF activities develop teamwork, discipline, and resilience through challenging exercises. The contingent participates in the Lord Mayor's Show, a visible symbol of the school's links to the City of London Corporation.

CCF membership is voluntary but popular, offering experiences including fieldcraft, navigation, first aid, and leadership training. These activities complement academic study and strengthen applications to universities and employers who value evidence of initiative and teamwork.

Arts and Other Activities

The biggest ever range of extracurricular clubs runs at lunchtime and after school. Confirmed offerings include art, basketball, and chess alongside the sports programme. The Performing Arts curriculum implies related enrichment activities, though specific ensembles are not detailed on the website.

Study support sessions provide structured homework help and exam preparation. The library offers quiet space for independent work. These practical supports help pupils from all backgrounds access academic success.

School hours run from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The location at Prebend Street in Islington offers good transport links, with Angel and Highbury and Islington stations within walking distance. The school does not publish specific wraparound care details on its website; families should contact the school directly for information about any before or after-school provision.

Islington Green School was established in 1966, becoming a mixed comprehensive in 1965 from an earlier Senior Mixed School founded in 1954. The school's most famous moment came in 1979 when pupils secretly recorded backing vocals for Pink Floyd's chart-topping single. Music teacher Alun Renshaw selected a choir of roughly 20 students, who practised in secret for a week before slipping out to Pink Floyd's Britannia Row studios nearby.

The recording became part of the UK number one single and the album The Wall. Though the Inner London Education Authority described the song as scandalous, it reflected Roger Waters' own schooling experiences rather than any criticism of Islington Green. Following copyright law changes in 1996, the now-adult choir members received royalty payments after lodging a successful claim in 2004.

The school failed its Ofsted inspection in 1997. By 2006, consultation had begun on converting to an academy sponsored by the City of London Corporation and City University. The City of London Academy Islington opened in September 2008, with its sixth form launching in September 2010. The new building completed in April 2010, giving the academy purpose-built facilities to match its academic ambitions.

The City of London Corporation sponsors ten academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington, and Southwark. The Sutton Trust has twice named it the UK's best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. This heritage of social mobility runs through the school's identity.

Banding test required. All applicants must sit a non-verbal reasoning test, which determines their ability band. While this is not a selection test, it does add a procedural step that families must manage. Test dates are fixed in October and November, requiring advance registration.

Assessment consistency varies. The 2025 Ofsted inspection noted that in some subjects, checks on pupils' understanding lack clarity and teaching does not always address misconceptions promptly. While overall teaching is strong, this inconsistency may affect some pupils' progress.

SEND support developing. Inspectors found that while SEND provision is typically well-adapted, teaching in a few subjects is not sufficiently tailored for pupils with additional needs, sometimes assigning overly difficult tasks. Families of children with SEND should explore provision carefully during visits.

Sixth form operated jointly. Post-16 provision operates in partnership with Highbury Grove, with the Islington Collegiate Sixth Form offering the academic pathway. Students should understand that their sixth form experience will differ from the main school environment.

City of London Academy Islington has earned its Outstanding rating through genuine transformation, not institutional complacency. From a failing school in the 1990s to a beacon of social mobility today, the trajectory demonstrates what effective leadership and sustained investment can achieve. The positive Progress 8 score shows pupils make more progress than similar students nationally, the metric that matters most for a comprehensive intake.

Best suited to families in Islington seeking a non-selective secondary with genuine academic ambition and strong pastoral support. The banding system ensures mixed-ability teaching, while the City of London sponsorship brings resources and opportunities beyond typical state provision. For families who can secure a place, the combination of Outstanding inspection outcomes, Oxbridge access from a comprehensive, and the character-building experiences of CCF and leadership programmes creates a compelling offer. The main challenge remains securing admission in a popular school.