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There were celebrations at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace after it was judged ‘outstanding’ in every category following an Ofsted inspection in early April 2025.

Inspectors spent two days at the Academy towards the end of the Spring Term observing lessons, speaking to students and staff and looking at many aspects of the Academy’s provision. 

The inspectors were greatly impressed by what they saw and have given the Academy a highly positive report. Commenting that the Academy ‘gives pupils and students an education that is second to none’, inspectors praised the quality of its curriculum, the expertise of its teachers and the breadth of its enrichment offer.

"Harris City Academy Crystal Palace gives pupils and students an education that is second to none." Ofsted 2025

The inspectors were very impressed by the Academy’s ‘aspirational curriculum’ and the way in which teachers take account of students’ individual needs so that they achieve ‘consistently excellent’ outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, the inspectors commented on the Academy’s focus on students’ personal development and on the many opportunities for ‘promoting pupils’ all-round development’.  The inspectors were particularly impressed by the Academy’s sporting achievements noting that it has won many local and national competitions.

"The opportunities for learning are ‘endless’." Ofsted 2025

“We are very proud to have received such a positive report from the inspectors which rightly reflects our high academic standards as well as our focus on promoting students’ personal development," said Samuel Rigby, Principal of Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.

"We are an ambitious school and it is heartening that the inspectors noticed the high aspirations we have for our students and how tirelessly our staff work to help them achieve their very best.

“But most pleasing is the way the inspectors commented on how hard-working, polite and courteous our students are. We are very fortunate to have such fantastic students who display such positive attitudes to their learning and, importantly, support each other to succeed.”

"Consistency runs through the school like the letters in a stick of rock. Cut that piece of rock anywhere and what you see is the school’s unwavering focus on giving pupils and students a consistently high-quality experience." Ofsted 2025

You can read the full report here.

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What Ofsted says...

Here are some highlights from our 'Outstanding' Ofsted report.

"Harris City Academy Crystal Palace gives pupils and students an education that is second to none. As pupils say, the opportunities for learning are ‘endless’."

"The ambitious curriculum and the impressive array of trips and activities prepare pupils for the next stage of their lives extremely well."

"The expertly designed curriculum enables pupils to excel in their learning.Its careful attention to providing an extensive and meaningful set of courses advances pupils’ knowledge and skills very successfully."

"One phrase sums up the school’s excellence: consistently high quality. Consistency runs through the school like the letters in a stick of rock. Cut that piece of rock anywhere and what you see is the school’s unwavering focus on giving pupils and students a consistently high quality experience."

"Staff expect the most of pupils. They are experts in their field and know just how to present information in a way that is relevant."

"Across the school, including in the sixth form, teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to adapt their teaching to take account of pupils’ needs, including those of disadvantaged pupils."

"The highest priority is placed on pupils’ personal development. The personal, social and health education (PSHE) programme is, like subjects, designed and implemented effectively."

You can read the full report here.