Staff and pupils at the City of London Academy Shoreditch Park greeted a royal visitor on Tuesday (07/03).

HRH The Earl of Wessex visited the academy in south-west Hackney where he was taken on a tour of the school.

He also heard how the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is delivered to students in the academy and he discussed their experiences with them.

Founded by Prince Philip in 1956, the Awards is a programme which helps young people develop life and employment skills.

The Earl of Wessex also heard about the City of London Corporation’s support for education.

The City of London Academy Shoreditch Park opened in September 2017 as part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City Corporation’s sponsored academies.

The City Corporation sponsors nine other schools across Hackney, Islington, Newham, and Southwark through the academy chain.

It is also the local education authority for one maintained primary school in the City of London, and the proprietor of three independent schools.

Through these institutions the City Corporation prepares young people to flourish by providing exceptional education, cultural and creative learning, and professional skills.

The Earl also observed a Year 7 history lesson where students were learning about Medieval England.

His Royal Highness met staff and students involved in the school’s new Financial Literacy programme and with pupils who had recently performed at the Mayor of Hackney’s awards ceremony.

Principal of City of London Academy Shoreditch Park, Holly Arles, said:

“Today’s visit was a brilliant opportunity to showcase our school community to His Royal Highness.

“Our staff work exceptionally hard to help pupils enjoy their studies and achieve their fullest potential in our vibrant, state-of-the-art learning environment.

“I hope that His Royal Highness saw a taste of what we have to offer to our students.”

Chair of the City of London Academies Trust Board, Catherine McGuinness, said:

“We aim to provide world-class experiences and deliver exceptional education for young Londoners from all backgrounds.”

“It was a privilege to have the Earl of Wessex visit our school and speak with our teachers and pupils. 

 “Together they work so hard to make the school such a success.”

Last year pupils at the school achieved an 97% pass rate in English and 89% in Maths - over 20% above the expected national average.

Notes to Editors

The City of London Corporation’s Family of Schools are:

City of London Academies Trust:

City of London Academy (Southwark)

Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

City of London Academy, Islington

The City Academy, Hackney

City of London Primary Academy Islington

City of London Academy Highgate Hill

City of London Academy Highbury Grove

City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

The Aldgate School

Independent:

City of London School

City of London School for Girls

City of London Freemen’s School

City Junior School

 The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk