A Highly Inclusive and Aspirational School

Following our most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2026, Hammersmith Academy was recognised as “a highly inclusive and aspirational school.”

Inspectors found that our students are happy, motivated to learn and proud of their education. The report highlights the strong culture of ambition across the Academy, noting that “staff have high ambitions for what pupils can achieve.”

The inspection recognises the dedication of our staff, the achievements of our students and the strength of our school community. Together, these foundations create a school where ambition is matched by opportunity. Hammersmith Academy provides the challenge, opportunity and community that allow each student to find their own path to success in the real world.

Inspection Highlights

The Ofsted report recognises many strengths across the Academy, including:

A positive and respectful school culture, with inspectors noting a “climate of trust and respect throughout the school.”
High-quality teaching and curriculum design, delivered by subject specialists who show “great enthusiasm for their subjects.”
Strong academic outcomes, with pupils performing “very well in their examinations.”
Outstanding pastoral care, with “excellent pastoral support” helping pupils develop resilience and independence.
A rich personal development programme, offering enrichment opportunities that “develop pupils’ talents and prepare them for their future lives.”
An excellent careers programme, supporting students to explore ambitious pathways and prepare for their next steps.

Inspectors also recognised the strong leadership of the Academy, highlighting an “ambitious vision for the school” and a commitment to providing the strongest possible foundations for every student.

A Supportive and Inclusive Community

Ofsted praised the inclusive environment we work hard to create, noting that pupils feel “a strong sense of belonging.”

Students are described as “naturally polite and courteous” and “highly motivated to learn.” Sixth Form students demonstrate maturity and act as excellent role models for younger pupils across the Academy.

As one parent quoted in the report shared:

“The school meets every student where they are, regardless of background, and supports them on their unique journey.”

Understanding the New Ofsted Framework

Ofsted inspections now use a “report card” system, designed to provide parents with a clearer picture of how schools perform across different areas of school life.

Instead of a single overall judgement, schools are evaluated across several key areas, including:

Inclusion
Curriculum and teaching
Achievement
Attendance and behaviour
Personal development and wellbeing
Leadership and governance
Sixth Form provision

Each area receives its own rating, allowing parents to see where a school is particularly strong.

Ofsted Rating Scale

Exceptional – among the strongest practice nationally
Strong Standard – the school delivers provision that is consistently above the expected standard, which exceeds national expectations
Expected Standard – meeting all national expectations
Needs Attention – improvements are required in this area
Urgent Improvement – immediate action is required

Safeguarding is reported separately as “Met” or “Not Met.”