LAE's core aim is to provide an inspiring, rigorous education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to the best universities and careers. Please support us in changing lives
CHANGE A LIFE AT THE LONDON ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE, STRATFORD
Welcome from the Headteacher
On behalf of the students, staff and governors of the London Academy of Excellence (LAE), Stratford, I would like to thank you for taking the time to find out more about the work of our remarkable school.
London Academy of Excellence, Stratford
LAE’s core aim and mission is to provide an inspiring, rigorous education to hard-working students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to win places at the best universities in the UK and around the world. LAE is today the highest ranked sixth form provider in England offering a full A Level curriculum. The school’s modal average is an A*. The progress its students make puts LAE well within the top one percent of schools in the country. Most importantly, record numbers of LAE graduates, including those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, successfully win places at top universities and go on to fulfilling careers.
The sort of education that makes all this possible is, sadly, not achievable solely based on government funding in these times of austerity. In addition, after ten years of generous support, LAE’s lead sponsor, HSBC, is reducing its commitment in-line with a change in corporate strategy. LAE is therefore seeking support from new corporate partners, grant-making trusts and philanthropic individuals with an interest in education and social mobility. I really hope that you can help, and we look forward to hearing from you. Your support could change a young person’s life forever. Alex Crossman MA(Oxon) MSc.Econs FRSA FCCT Headteacher
5,000+ young people apply for places at LAE every year
London Academy of Excellence, Stratford (LAE) was opened in 2012 in Newham, one of the most disadvantaged boroughs in London at that time. With fewer than forty 18 year-olds from Newham schools attending Russell Group universities each year, it was clear that young people in the area were not able to access an education that would raise aspirations and equip them to compete for places at the world’s best universities. Spearheaded by Richard Cairns, Head Master at Brighton College, and Joan Deslandes, Head Teacher at Kingsford Community School in Beckton, LAE was
founded with the support of six of the UK’s leading independent schools (Brighton College, Caterham School, Eton College, Forest School, Highgate School and University College School). Their ambition was to create a school that provided an education akin to that received by children in the independent sector: one that combined outstanding teaching, a rigorous curriculum and enriching co-curricular experiences.
A is the average A-level grade gained by LAE students
An Education That Goes Above and Beyond
The school today is extremely successful. LAE has been named UK State Sixth Form College of the Year in The Sunday Times School of the Year Awards and in its last inspection, was graded ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED. Here are a few reasons why:
1
2
3
4
Extended School Day
Sports, Clubs and Societies
Extended Project Qualification
15 Core Subjects
Students are offered only the 15 core academic subjects favoured by Russell Group Universities – these are taught by highly-qualified subject specialists.
Longer days allow students to participate in a rich and varied co-curricular programme including Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteering and the Performing Arts Hub.
Every week, each student participates in a range of sports and societies, everything from boxing and Japanese lessons, to Zumba and photography.
EPQs enable students to develop research, referencing and critical analysis skills. This prepares them well for life at university and beyond.
5
6
7
8
House-Based Pastoral System
Aspirational Careers Advice
Inspiring speakers visit LAE every term to deliver talks to students. Recent visitors have included Theatre Director, Nicholas Hytner and Holocaust survivor, Hannah Lewis. LAEcture Programme
LAE Diploma
Every student completes an enrichment programme leading to an LAE Diploma. This is designed to equip them for success beyond the classroom, both at university and thereafter.
A house-based pastoral system provides students with a personal tutor whom they see daily and who is responsible for their wellbeing. Time is set aside every week for 1:1 mentoring and for sessions focused on wellbeing.
Students are assisted in making informed choices about higher education and the world of work. Speakers from industry and visits to workplaces and universities inspire students to aim high.
Top 10 University Destinations for LAE Students
7
8
3
Transforming Lives
7
70% 1%
1
LONDON
10
5 9
2
Unlike any other school, LAE’s admissions policy prioritises students from disadvantaged families. It also ring-fences half of all places for applicants from Newham state secondary schools. This means the school primarily serves local students in one of the most disadvantaged parts of the capital. The education that young people receive at LAE is life-changing. Having access to a premium, well-rounded education means our graduates go on to achieve remarkable things.
of students come from families with no prior engagement with higher education
LAE is placed in the top 1% nationally for “value-added” results
6
4
1/3 50% 150 of students are from two of the most disadvantaged boroughs in London
LONDON
students have gone on to study at either Oxford or Cambridge
7
4
10
1
1,350+ More than 1000 LAE students have gone on to study at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities
5
2
8
9
6
3
of students come from circumstances of real financial deprivation
University destinations of LAE students for the last three years
Supporting LAE
£3k 500 enables LAE to cover the financial shortfall for one student’s education
Altab’s Story
LAE is providing a life-changing opportunity for hundreds of young people every year. Ensuring that bright young people fulfil their potential and can access the same opportunities as those privately educated goes straight to the heart of social mobility.
This ‘premium’ education comes at a cost, and despite receiving some statutory funding from the government, there is a funding gap of £3,000 per student for their two-year course of study. Donations, grants and partnerships are therefore essential in enabling us to provide a premium education that transforms the lives of hundreds of young people.
Altab joined LAE in 2014 where he studied A-Levels in Geography, Maths and Chemistry before leaving to study Geography with Economics at the London School of Economics. He shares his thoughts on how his time at LAE impacted his career in investment banking.
lives are transformed at LAE every year
£10k is funding provided by the Department for Education £3k in shortfall – to be made up by donations, grants and partnerships
I applied to LAE despite missing all of the open days – I was sold based on what I heard from students studying there at the time. I was particularly drawn to the highly academic focus of the school, and all the opportunities for personal and professional development on offer. “I have great memories of swimming in the Olympic Swimming Centre each week, doing cadets and learning to code. I loved the way that our free time away from lessons was structured and a great chance to take part in things that we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to. “When I arrived at university, many of the people I met were privately educated, but it turned out that we had all enjoyed many of the same sorts of experiences and opportunities, thanks to everything that had been on offer at LAE. “The school provided me with a lot of support to help get me to where I am
today. The advice I received for my UCAS personal statement was particularly good, and all the things I had been able to do at LAE meant that I had too much to write about if anything! My teachers also helped me with my applications for work experience during LAE, due to which I was able to secure a three-week placement at Deutsche Bank. I was able to leverage on this experience at University, securing a spring week at Deutsche Bank, which turned into a summer internship and a job.” “Being surrounded by so many other focused students, and presented with so many opportunities for development at LAE meant that I pushed myself a lot harder and became a lot more confident than had I remained at my old school, where I was perhaps too comfortable. I think it is that combination of the opportunities and the environment that makes LAE such a great place to study.”
£13k for 2 years of study
Can You Help?
However you wish to support LAE and at whatever level, your generosity is both essential and truly appreciated. As LAE is a charity, it is possible to make your donation tax efficiently. For more information about LAE and how you can help, please contact: development@brightoncollege.net 01273 704295
London Academy of Excellence Broadway House 322 High Street Stratford London E15 1AJ
For more information, please contact: development@brightoncollege.net 01273 704295 www.lae.ac.uk
London Academy of Excellence is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, and an exempt charity. Company registration number: 07643795. Registered office address: Broadway House, 322 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 1AJ.
v09012022
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online