Your article on the City of London Academy (“Another blow for academies”, TES, February 17) fails to point out that October’s inspection took place just six weeks after the start of term; just after increasing students by a third, taking on new teachers and moving to new buildings. The inspectors themselves said it was not appropriate timing for an accurate evaluation.
Despite this, teaching was “satisfactory” with examples of “excellent”
practice.
Inspectors were “very impressed” by the facilities and leadership, and praised pupil participation in extra-curricular activities. All this from an academy that spent its first two years in temporary accommodation where many pupils have significant literacy needs. Of course there is room for improvement but rather than down-playing the school’s efforts, we should be celebrating it.
Michael Snyder
Chairman of policy and resources committee
City of London Guildhall, London
