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Principal’s welcome

A warm welcome from our Principal, Mr Jon Lynes

On behalf of all the students, staff, and Local Board at City of London Academy Southwark, I offer you the warmest welcome to our school.

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. We believe that every young person receives just one chance at their school education, and these vital years shape not only their future academic and career pathways, but also the person they become as an adult.

I bring to City of London Academy Southwark a wealth of experience having worked as a senior leader in the highest-performing schools across Merton, Croydon, and Lambeth. Throughout my career in South London education, I have seen firsthand what it takes to create an exceptional school: relentless academic ambition paired with deep, unwavering care for every individual. When I say that City of London Academy Southwark is a genuinely special place, I do so with the full perspective of what world-class education looks like.

We pride ourselves on being a warm, inclusive, and welcoming community. Here, every student is known, valued, and cared for as a unique individual. We hold high expectations for personal conduct because we believe that small things – like good manners, courtesy, kindness, and mutual respect – matter enormously. These core values create a calm, purposeful environment where students feel safe, confident, and happy to learn.

At the heart of everything we do are our two foundational core visions:

  • To develop happy and healthy learners who achieve the highest possible academic outcomes for success in life
  • To nurture responsible young citizens who care for their communities and who are committed to bettering them

Our students benefit from learning in exceptional, state-of-the-art facilities designed to spark creativity, scientific discovery, and physical excellence. We are also immensely proud to be home to the best basketball academy in the country – a testament to our culture of discipline, elite performance, and holistic development. Whether in the classroom, on the sports court, or through our rich co-curricular opportunities, we encourage our young people to  have the ambition to achieve their fullest potential.

City of London Academy Southwark is a truly special community. Words and pictures on a website can only capture a glimpse of our school’s unique atmosphere, so I warmly encourage you to arrange a visit, tour our facilities, meet our inspiring staff and students, and experience firsthand what makes our school so extraordinary.

Jon Lynes

Principal, City of London Academy Southwark