In 2005, the Bethnal Green Academy in East London was in Special Measures, with only 27% of its students achieving at least a grade C in GCSE Maths and English. The Academy has seen an incredible turnaround and in 2012/13 was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with 74% of its students attaining A* to C GCSEs, including Maths and English.
“The quality of teaching is outstanding… students’ achievement is remarkable”
– Ofsted 2012/13
The Academy has been engaged with the PTI since 2011 and we are very pleased to have helped them on this journey. With the aim of raising aspirations, the PTI Leadership project that the Academy embarked on looks at developing opportunities for children in four key areas:
- exam success and routes to university
- arts, culture and sport
- well-being
- social action
An extended curriculum, promoting deeper learning, has led to improved exam results. Partnership with a local theatre group and trips to galleries and museums have provided increased exposure to the arts. The Academy’s relationship with London Citizens and its participation in campaigns such as the CitySafe programme, promotes student involvement in local community projects, helping develop their sense of civic duty and social integration. The Academy has also established an exchange programme with the Goethe Institut and Arsenal Football Club – having Brazilian and German football coaches visit the Academy has really inspired the children’s interest in learning languages!
“It is unacceptable that in our country there is such an enormous gap between the life chances of children from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds and other children. The PTI’s Leadership Programme enables staff to focus on closing the achievement gap by encouraging student entitlement to cultural capital and fostering an ethos that enables student achievement and well-being.”
- Laurie Glees, Assistant Vice Principal
Below: Pupils train with international football coaches
