The Excelsior Academy

Positive experience: I'm currently in the Petchey Academy as a year 7 and I already have bullies and it hasnt been 5 months! Thank god that there is staff that can help us all. Great lessons

Negative experience: I was surprised to discover that what was formerly Dalston County High School (and more latterly Dalston Mount and then Kingsland School) had undergone yet another name change. It is often the way with failing businesses that they wrongly believe that a name change will hide the deficiencies. I should explain that my knowledge of the school arises from the fact that my bedroom as a child, overlooked it on the Cecilia Rd aspect. Having been quite a sickly child. much of my early life was spent staring out of the window onto the girls playground. At the time, the school was highly regarded as a leading girls Grammar School. Unfortunately, that was all to change under the Labour Government of Harold Wilson when the Grammar Schools were abolished in favour of comprehensives. In my experience (which stretches back to the mid-1950's) the school has very much reflected the neighbourhood. I can recall very few girls from ethnic minorities being enrolled there in my younger years, but I can also remember when there was only one Afro Caribbean (AC) family in Downs Park Road. As the white population left that street, it seemed that the school make-was changing at the same rate. I can imagine that for many AC families who valued education they must have been very proud when their daughters were enrolled in such a prestigious school. Unfortunately, it was no longer being run by the London County Council, but by the Inner London Education Authority, which had more than it's fair share of "Loony Lefties". I am sure that as people read this, I am coming across as some sort of right wing reactionary. I am not, but I think it's fair to say, that the dissolution of the Grammar schools was not a good idea. So as the AC population increased so did the number of AC pupils. Though I moved from Cecilia Rd before 1970, my parents continued to reside there until 1989, so I was able to keep up with the changes through my occasional visits. By the mid 1970's the balance was about 50% AC, but the really noticeable change was the number of young (and not so young) AC males who were hanging about outside the school, every time there was a break in the lessons. Clearly you cannot interfere in the course of love, but I think I were the father of one of the pupils, I would would be wondering why when everybody else was at work, the boy was not gainfully employed and was hanging around outside a girls school? One possible explanation was that when passing by on foot, I was occasionally accosted by these young lads who were not averse to offering mind altering substances. So perhaps they were gainfully employed? Alas, I am sorry to say, that just the Grocers Company School in Downs Park Road, two of the finest schools ever to open in Hackney were destroyed by the ideology of "Comprehensive Education". The idea was a mis-conceived attack on elitism, but the real elitists were unaffected as they still had theie Eton's and Harrows. I am not in a position to give a rating to Petchey Academy as I have not been anywhere near it in twenty years, but from what I have seen of the website, I fear that another name change cannot be ruled out. The website refers to terms as "semesters". Clearly someone has been watching too much US TV. A semester is a half year term, but the school has three "semesters". In other words, it has three half yearly terms annually. So for me, the question is do you fail the Maths dept for failing to explain that there are only two half years in a year, or the English Dept for not understanding the meaning of "semester"? Regardless, it would be great to see them reach the academic standards of Dalston County. It's unfortunate that Google compels me to rate the school in order that I can publish this post. Please ignore my rating on 1*

Fantastic experience: Big up miss Cummings! A down to earth lovely lady who helps the children as much as she can

Negative experience: that poor girl

Negative experience: Disgusting what they made that poor girl go through

Negative experience: I'm sickened by the way the reputation of the school has snowballed over the years, I've been here for seven years and i only have good things to say about a handful of teachers.

Negative experience: confused on where all the newer reviews for this school went

Fantastic experience: It's the best school ever!!! In P.E., we can do rock- climbing, trampolining, basketball, netball, football, dodgeball, gym or even capture the flag. It is very fun. Plus the teachers here are kind and helpful. I strongly recommend your child should come here.

Negative experience: This school is a disgrace to humanity, for the past week my year group has been getting leftovers at lunch from other year groups as there was not enough food for my year group! Which has then lead to us being very hungry for the rest of the day!! Do not recommend for your children to come here!!!!

Negative experience: Whilst I cannot comment in the academic side of this school, I can comment on what I see of the kids after school. Nearly everyday the kids that come from this school tend to hang around on the corner screaming, swearing, running down the middle of the road and throwing things across the roads whilst the teachers do nothing but talk amongst themselves by the back gates. One teacher even stands there with headphones around his neck like he's a mature student. Just by appearance alone, i will not be applying for my kids to attend this school.

Negative experience: Not a good school just keeps on changing its names thinking it will be better that way it is such a disgrace that Sir Jack Petchey sponsores this school

Positive experience: I personally from past and current experience have found this school to be good.I have noted from the past a couple of teachers have not been very nice how they have spoken to students/parents but overall I would say it as been good then and currently.I have son's go and have left the academy and go on to university in there chosen field.i currently have a child there now.most teenages moan about secondary school .they are not the first and won't be the last.i am writing this review because of a review i Saw yesterday and it was to say a teacher is not good basically Mr Edwards. i did find this did seemed unfair one of my son's previously did say he was horrible and rude, fast forward a fewest years .Mr Edwards a did a great job my son's words.my curry child as said the same mr Edwards is this and thatthere are a good few teacher's at the academy and are a assets.As a teenage u might think they are horrible and are being unfair.but you will hopefully look back and think great teachers.My final thoughts try put in what u want to get out. Regardless what secondary school parent/child wants..

Fantastic experience: Very happy with my son's experience at Petchey, he's been encouraged by some fantastic teachers to have high academic aspirations within a hard working peer group. Love the school ethos and the additional experiences they offer in the way of trips and visits etc.

Fantastic experience: I've visited the school what's missing is rugby, would build very good character in the boys and girls(I believe girls play now?)

Fantastic experience: petchy is full of rubbish people smoke weed right in front of them and they dont do anything this scool is dodgy

Negative experience: School Motto...10/10

Fantastic experience: We are very happy with the exciting opportunities and support our son receives at the school. The school guides the kids well in terms of learning and revision skills. Petchey has a great Languages Department and lots of opportunities to meet relevant mentoring people at their assemblies. We also like the food provision as 'Family Service' where all the kids collaborate to serve and tidy up at lunch time.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic school which is run with a great ethos and supportive leadership. The teachers are very communicative and have a genuine caring attitude towards the children. Special needs pupils are supported well and the staff are quick to focus on any issues or concerns with these pupils. There is a refreshing positive outlook to the school where success is rewarded and celebrated. A brilliant school.

Positive experience: School does not take reports of bullying seriously. I've reported via email twice and personally to a teacher but it seems like they'd rather wait for an incident than deal with escalation. I've even emailed Ms Olivia (headteacher) but have yet to hear back (it's been two weeks).

Negative experience: The toilet seats are great so i give 1 star for that

Positive experience: Most shitest school ever I’ve seen on my life

Negative experience: Useless staff

Fantastic experience: my future school in September

Positive experience: Its okay...

Negative experience: Schools Crap Sucks Crap Worst Teacher

Fantastic experience: Modern and amazing academy.

Positive experience: Great staff parties!!!!

Negative experience: This school is crappy am regret sending my child there..teachers an principal think they kno it all

Negative experience: Every day every week ever months Teachers change. Bad for all that children!

Fantastic experience: My son has been studding at Petchey academy from 4 years and I can say that I am very happy with teachers and the way he is progressing.I am up to date with every thing that my son is doing at the school. I loved it.

Fantastic experience: My child has made significant progress at The Petchey Academy. Staff and teachers are very supportive.