Ofsted
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors following their visit in April 2025.
The inspectors have our academy a superb report in which they have praised every aspect of our provision – from the quality of teaching and learning to the targeted support we offer students to the breadth of our enrichment opportunities.
Click HERE to read the full report.
Importantly and most pleasingly, the inspectors were highly complimentary about our students who are described as ‘polite and courteous’. I would encourage you to read the full report but have also added some highlights lower down the page, and would like to highlight these in particular:
“One phrase sums up the school’s excellence: consistent 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.
"Whether it is the aspirational curriculum, pupils’ personal development or their readiness for the next stage, pupils’ achievements, including for disadvantaged pupils, are consistently excellent.”
A report like this would not be possible without the hard work and unwavering commitment of our staff. As the inspectors found, we have expert teachers who are determined to give each and every one of our students the support and challenge they need to thrive.
Sam Rigby, Principal
Some highlights from our 2025 '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 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.
