Alexandra Park School

For other schools of a similar name, see Alexandra School (disambiguation).

Alexandra Park School
Address
Map
Bidwell Gardens

Muswell Hill
,
London
,
N11 2AZ

England
Coordinates51°36′08″N 0°08′13″W / 51.6021°N 0.1369°W / 51.6021; -0.1369
Information
TypeAcademy
MottoSuccess for all
Established1999
Department for Education URN137531 Tables
OfstedReports
Head teacherMichael McKenzie
GenderCoeducational
Age11 to 18
Enrolmentc. 1200
Colour(s)    Red, Black, White
Websitehttp://www.apsch.org.uk

Alexandra Park School is a coeducational secondary school and sixth form with academy status in Muswell Hill, in the London Borough of Haringey, England. It provides education for students aged 11–18 and gained specialist school status in 2005, six years after its opening in 1999.

History

There have been at least three schools with this name in Muswell Hill. The present school was opened to year 7 pupils on 9 September 1999. An extension to the school in 2006 received a commendation at the Civic Trust Awards.[1]

The expansion of Alexandra Park School has added a number of key elements: a main teaching block for art and design technology, with general teaching spaces and a sixth form suite overlooking a courtyard; a science centre with four laboratories; and a performance arts department, with a drama studio and music practice rooms. The expansion was completed within a short timeframe and included environmentally friendly technologies.[1]

Location

The school is named after Alexandra Park, Muswell Hill which is located c.500 yards (460 m) away from its current site. The present school is at the edge of Muswell Hill Golf Course. The main entrance is on Durnsford Park and there is also an entrance on Rhodes Avenue.

Rankings

Following the school's first Ofsted inspection in November 2002 the school was judged "A very good school which enables all its pupils to do well. Standards are much higher than might be expected of pupils with similar backgrounds and prior attainment. This is due to good teaching, excellent leadership and management, high expectations of work and behaviour and a real commitment to ensuring that every single pupil benefits from what is provided and is encouraged to give their best." Ofsted commented that "the quality of teaching is a significant strength of the school."[2]

In the school's second Ofsted inspection in May 2007 the school was judged "A good school with some outstanding features. Although the school is relatively new, its standing in the community and beyond is well established because of the outstanding leadership of the Headteacher." The report highlights the outstanding features with Ofsted commenting "Care, guidance and support are good and the pastoral provision is outstanding, which contributes effectively to pupils' personal development. Vulnerable students and those with learning difficulties and disabilities are mostly exceptionally well supported."[3]

In another report, Alexandra Park School was rated 'outstanding' after its inspection on 15–16 November 2011. The school received 1s (outstanding) on most areas. Alexandra Park School got three 2s (good) these subjects were: The extent to which pupils adopt a healthy life style, Pupils behaviour and Pupils attendance. The overall comment was 'Alexandra Park School is an outstanding school. It is a reflective and self-critical organisation which lives its aim to "put learning first" through its every action. Students are highly motivated learners who make rapid progress through outstanding teaching, an excellent curriculum and exemplary care and support.'[4]

It is also a National Teaching School, a status which is given to less than 2% of schools in England. Under this scheme they collaborate with a range of providers including the Institute of Education, Middlesex University and Goldsmiths to work with training teachers and local schools to enhance teaching knowledge and build local connections through education.

In December 2016, pupils at Alexandra Park School scored the highest on the international Pisa education rankings with an average score of 564 points.[5] In comparison, the average score in England was 500 points and 535 points in Singapore.[5]

As of the latest inspection on 28 February 2023, Alexandra Park School received an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted. The inspection report highlighted the school's quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision as outstanding. [6]

Notable staff

Crispin Bonham-Carter, a former television and film actor, taught English and Classics at the school for ten years, including five years as a Head of Year.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b "Alexandra Park School". News. Nicholas Hare Architects LLP. April 2006. Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2008.
  2. ^ Ofsted Communications Team (4 January 2024). "Find an inspection report and registered childcare". reports.ofsted.gov.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  3. ^ Ofsted Communications Team (4 January 2024). "Find an inspection report and registered childcare". reports.ofsted.gov.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  4. ^ Ofsted Communications Team (25 July 2022). "Find an inspection report and registered childcare". reports.ofsted.gov.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b Burns, Judith (16 December 2016). "London school's towering performance in Pisa tests". BBC News. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  6. ^ Ofsted Communications Team (25 July 2022). "Find an inspection report and registered childcare". reports.ofsted.gov.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  7. ^ "Mr Crispin Bonham-Carter: Biography". Queen Elizabeth's School. Archived from the original on 10 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.

3. Goose, M., Robinson, H., MacGillivray, L., O'Neill. (2014). Life and Times of Jay Cockrell. Portland Green 2013–14 22–34

4. Ross, J., Goose, M. (2014). Awesome Awesome bible. Hellooooo Portland Green 1–4