New Ofsted report card highlights our ‘Strong Standards’ of teaching and an inclusive culture
Published: Tue 17 March 2026City of London Academy Southwark is proud to announce the findings of its recent Ofsted inspection. The new-look report card confirms that the school continues to fulfill its mission of providing a world-class education. ‘Strong Standards’ in teaching, inclusion and leadership means “pupils consistently achieve highly across the curriculum.”
The inspection highlights a school where “pupils consistently achieve highly across the curriculum”, with progress and attainment for disadvantaged pupils remaining consistently above the national average. Inspectors praised the school’s “extremely ambitious curriculum” and the “deep subject knowledge” of teachers who ensure “pupils enjoy learning” as they build their knowledge and skills.
The report places a significant emphasis on the academy’s inclusive ethos and ambition to be ‘Inclusive by design’. Inspectors noted that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) successfully access the curriculum and achieve ambitious outcomes. Ofsted says, “Staff know pupils incredibly well. Leaders take decisions that are in the best interests of pupils and help pupils to achieve”.
The academy and its sixth form in south London was further commended for:
- High-quality teaching: “Teachers benefit from regular training to increase expertise and consistently check pupils’ understanding.”
- Exceptional behavior: “Pupils show high levels of respect, take pride in their work, and maintain positive attitudes to learning.”
- A culture of reading: “Leaders promote a love of reading. This includes through tutor time and the work of the library, which is a well-resourced space.”
Mike Baxter, Principal of City of London Academy Southwark, said:
“We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and families over many years. Our approach to being ‘inclusive by design’ is recognised throughout the report; Ofsted identified that students from all backgrounds thrive in our academy. The report highlights that we are a school with high expectations for our students and that they consistently meet these. We’re a great place to work, study and succeed.”
Dr. Steven Berryman, Chair of the Local Board, added:
“This report is a testament to the academy’s relentless drive for excellence. The Local Board is immensely proud of the academy’s role in the local community that empowers students from all backgrounds with the knowledge and confidence to excel.”
Chief Executive of City of London Academies Trust, Mark Emmerson OBE, said:
“This glowing report truly reflects the depth and breadth of education offered at COLA Southwark, the culture of inclusion and quality of teaching. The new-look Ofsted report cards give our academies the opportunity to show families the full range of their education provision, rather than just being represented by a few catch-all grades.”
COLA Southwark, part of City of London Academies Trust, is a non-selective secondary and sixth form, sponsored by the City of London Corporation. Offering a wide range of academic and vocational pathways, last summer the academy achieved its best ever GCSE and A level results. The academy is one of only 10 schools in England awarded Basketball Academy status. The team is currently top of Basketball England’s EABL South league, with 10 wins from 10.