Skinners' Academy

Welcome to Skinners’ Academy, a school in the Woodberry Down (North Hackney) community for pupils aged 11–19, providing a world class education in a state-of-the-art building. Specialising in Enterprise, the Academy opened in 2010 and is supported by the Skinners’ Company, who is proud of the Academy being at the heart and hub of the local community. In September 2015 we launched our aspirational, high achieving Sixth Form.

The Academy's learning environment is inspiring, exciting and motivating. Therefore, with your contribution, we will challenge and support their paths to success. In addition, wellbeing is a priority for the Academy both in terms of students and staff, which is one of the many reasons why the Academy is considered a great place to work.

kinners’ Academy provides a range of opportunities to our pupils with the aim of building confidence and developing skills which especially useful both inside and outside the classroom. Based in Woodberry Down, Skinners’ Academy is committed to playing a significant role at the heart of the local community. We work closely with the local businesses allowing our pupils to gain a unique insight into the business world. These insights will enhance their employability skills and provide an opportunity to boost their confidence.

Skinners’ Academy is determined to help our pupils “be the best they can”. We encourage pupils to cultivate new interests and build on transferable skills which will be useful beyond Skinners’ Academy. At the end of the school day, there is a variety of after school activities for students to take part in.

Skinners’ Academy is a truly great school offering an outstanding, all-round education, and is determined to be one of the best schools in London. We believe that all pupils, regardless of background or ability, should be supported to excel in all that they do.

Skinners’ Academy recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. Situated in the heart of the country’s capital city we serve a diverse and exciting community.“Be the best you can” – our Academy motto reflects our belief that all pupils, regardless of background or ability, should be supported to excel in all that they do. We understand the vital role the Academy plays in ensuring groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by anyone wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. The Academy seeks opportunities to celebrate our community and their rich heritage from all round the globe.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Skinners’ Academy is dedicated to preparing pupils for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its pupils.

Most students studying an Advanced Level programme (Level 3) will be undertaking at least 3/4 A Levels. Prospective students will need to obtain a Grade 6/B in the specific subjects they wish to study or a related subject before taking an A Level course. Students wishing to study maths and/or science must have obtained a Grade 7/A or above in the subject at GCSE. To study A Level music an applicant must have reached at least Grade 5 on an instrument. For progression into Year 13, students must achieve a minimum of three Ds in their Year 12 assessments.

Some students at Level 3 will benefit from a more vocational, coursework based approach – and BTEC qualifications provide this option. Students have the option of undertaking a ‘triple’ BTEC. For a BTEC programme, we expect students to have obtained Grade 4/C or above in a similar subject. For progression into Year 13, students must achieve a minimum of a Pass Grade in their Year 12 assessments. Pupils who have achieved a GCSE in Polish, Portuguese or Turkish may have the opportunity to pick this up as an additional (i.e. 4th) A Level subject.

Providing pupils with the skills they need to succeed in Life’ that is what Skinners’ Academy believes Enterprise Education can provide for our school community.Enterprise Education is a high priority for the Government therefore Skinners’ Academy is delighted to be at the forefront of this movement by employing Enterprise as our Specialism.Enterprise Education will support pupils with the ability to navigate the adult world. It will give them the confidence they will need to deal with different aspects of life and work.

Developing on Enterprise skills will help pupils to tackle a range of tasks they will be expected to complete in adult life with confidence. Our enterprise culture influences all that we do and is part of what makes us stand out as an academy which cultivates the ‘whole child’. Therefore, within the past few years, we have worked with more than 50 local, national and international employers in addition to other education providers, so that our pupils can benefit from professional industry expertise. Whatever our pupils aspire to achieve, our specialism will allow every pupil to receive a high-quality and engaging learning experience. This will aid them to reach their full potential in whichever employment, training or education setting they move on to.