The Harris Group

~ Academy celebrates fourth consecutive “Outstanding” Ofsted judgement ~

~ Former Prime Minister Sir John Major guest of honour at special celebration ~

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace marked its 35th anniversary last month at a special event hosted by the Academy’s students and staff. The event celebrated the achievements of the past 35 years, including the Academy’s most recent Ofsted inspection in which it was judged “Outstanding” in every category. This is the fourth consecutive time the Academy has achieved the highest rating, reflecting the consistently high standards that have been maintained over the past three and a half decades.

The Academy’s remarkable story began in 1990 when Lord Harris of Peckham was asked by the government to sponsor a new school to replace Sylvan High School, which had a reputation for poor standards with only 10% of students achieving the GCSEs they needed. With Lord Harris as sponsor, the school opened as Harris City Technology College and was one of the first independent state schools in England. The school quickly made progress, and in 2007 became an Academy under the Academies Programme, paving the way for more schools to join the Harris Federation. The Harris Federation is now one of the country’s most successful Multi Academy Trusts, comprising 55 academies in London and Essex.

Since opening, the Academy has transformed the life chances of thousands of young people from across Croydon. Year-on-year, it has achieved consistently excellent GCSE and A Level results, helping students from low-income backgrounds secure places at some of the country’s top universities or on highly competitive degree apprenticeships.

Students, staff and alumni were joined by a number of special guests including Lord Harris, The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH and his wife Dame Norma. The former Prime Minister had officially opened the school back in 1990, which made his return to the school on this special anniversary particularly meaningful.

To mark the occasion, an award named in Sir John’s honour was presented. The inaugural Sir John Major Award was presented to Oscar Ocieczek in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements.  This summer Oscar achieved 4*s at A Level. Oscar has now proudly started his Microsoft Apprenticeship, taking on the role of Solution Engineer for Cloud and AI (Data).

Two other awards were also presented:

· The Valentine Douglas Award – presented to Tahseen Miah and Cherise Aboagye-Mensah for their hard work and commitment to their studies. As part of the award, they each received £15,000 for each of year of their university degree.

· The Charlie Harris Award – presented to Ignacy Zakrzewski-Obem for his sporting achievements and success in Basketball.

Previously, Sadia Kabeya, was awarded the Charlie Harris Award for her own sporting excellence. Sadia has since gone on to play for England’s Red Roses and win the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year. Not only did she help take her team to victory but she was also awarded Player of the Match in the Final.

As well as the presentation of the awards, guests were given a tour of the Academy, before being treated to performances given by the students. Alumni also held a “speed networking” event with Sixth Formers, answering questions about their careers and giving them advice and tips.

Speaking at the event, Samuel Rigby, Principal of the Academy, said:

“Today is a celebration of everything that has been achieved at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, and we are very pleased to welcome so many of the people who have played a part in making our school the outstanding place it has become. We are particularly honoured to welcome Sir John and Dame Norma, and show them the positive impact the Academy has had on the lives of so many young people since they were last here 35 years ago. It is fantastic to share this occasion with them and Lord Harris, without whom none of this would have been possible.

“Congratulations to the recipients of today’s awards. Each of them has demonstrated an incredible work ethic and achieved remarkable academic outcomes. They have all truly embodied our Academy ethos and are role models for our current and future students.”

Sir Dan Moynihan, Senior Executive Principal and CEO of the Harris Federation, and a former Principal of Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, said:

“As the founding school within the Harris Federation, Harris City Academy Crystal Palace set the standard for our other schools to follow. For more than three decades, the Academy has focused on maintaining the highest standards and has sought to give our students an exceptional education that will open up endless possibilities for their future. Speaking to many of the alumni today and hearing about their successful careers, it is clear the Academy laid the foundations for their future successes. They are the legacy of this school and of Lord Harris’s long-standing commitment to education in this country.”