Reflecting on the five years I spent at The Hurlingham Academy, a small inner-city school in Fulham, I’m struck by the remarkable transformation that took place during my time there. As a fresh Teach First trainee in 2015, I witnessed firsthand the school’s journey from being labeled ‘inadequate’ to ‘good,’ overcoming a tumultuous past to establish consistency and stability. The lessons learned throughout this process are invaluable, and the changes made at the school offer valuable insights into what can turn a struggling institution into a thriving one.
1. Changing the Behaviour Culture
When I first arrived at Hurlingham Academy, the behavior among students was a challenge. It wasn’t extreme—there were no violent outbursts or major disruptions—but there was a pervasive culture of disengagement and indifference. Many students showed a lack of interest in learning, and low-level disruptions were common.
The turning point came when the leadership team implemented a centralized behavior system that was clear, consistent, and rigorously enforced. The rules were simple: students received a warning for disrupting class, and if it happened again, they were sent to Isolation. This zero-tolerance policy gave staff the clarity they needed to manage behavior and set clear expectations for students.
However, the policy alone was not enough. To avoid the school becoming a cold, authoritarian institution, the leadership team also worked hard to foster strong relationships between students and staff. A sense of belonging and respect was built alongside the firm boundaries, creating a balanced approach. As a result, the school atmosphere gradually shifted toward one of respect, focus, and positivity.
By the time I left the school, you could walk through the halls and classrooms without encountering any disruptions. The improvement in student behavior was directly linked to improved academic outcomes, including better GCSE results.
The key takeaway from this experience is that a well-implemented behavior policy is essential for creating a learning environment where students can thrive. While some might view strict behavior systems as overly harsh, in reality, they are about ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed. A well-managed classroom is an equal opportunity for learning, where all students are free to focus and grow.
2. Fostering Academic Rigor
In my second year at Hurlingham, the school appointed a new Head of English with a vision to overhaul the department. Under their leadership, the English curriculum was transformed. Gone were the outdated, uninspired units based on recycled PowerPoint presentations. In their place were challenging and ambitious literary texts that pushed students to think critically and engage with complex ideas.
For example, Year 8 students were introduced to Jane Eyre, Year 7 students studied Greek myths and legends, and Year 9 explored Sherlock Holmes stories. The curriculum was carefully curated to expose students to a wide range of literary genres, including Shakespeare’s works, which they read before Key Stage 4.
The goal was to ignite a love for literature and push students beyond the basics. Academic rigor was emphasized not just for the sake of challenge but to instill a sense of pride and achievement in the students. The results were profound. As students engaged with higher-level texts, they developed critical thinking skills, a deeper appreciation for literature, and the confidence to take on more complex subjects.
This shift toward academic rigor also had a significant impact on student outcomes. The higher expectations in English translated into broader improvements across other subjects. Students became more capable, not just in terms of academic knowledge but in their ability to approach learning with discipline and curiosity.
The lesson here is that when students are provided with challenging, meaningful content, they rise to the occasion. It’s important to set high expectations and ensure that every student has access to a rich, ambitious curriculum that challenges them intellectually. This approach not only improves academic performance but also fosters a culture of excellence.
3. Building Consistency and Stability
A school’s success doesn’t only rest on policies and academic rigor; it also requires stable leadership and consistency. One of the most significant factors in Hurlingham Academy’s turnaround was the stability provided by the leadership team. In a school that had previously experienced a great deal of change and instability, the leadership team’s commitment to long-term goals was crucial.
This stability allowed the school to focus on long-term planning and incremental improvements. Teachers and staff knew what was expected of them, and the consistency in leadership provided a foundation for building trust, morale, and accountability.
The lesson here is that, while change is necessary for growth, it’s also important to allow enough time for policies and practices to take root. The work of improving a school is a marathon, not a sprint. Stability and consistency enable long-term success and provide the space for positive changes to take hold.
4. Creating a Strong School Culture
Finally, the transformation of Hurlingham Academy was not just about behavior and academics—it was about creating a school culture that valued effort, discipline, and mutual respect. From my first day at the school, I could see that the leadership team was committed to creating an environment where both students and staff felt valued. Teachers were given the tools, support, and autonomy they needed to excel, while students were encouraged to take ownership of their learning.
The importance of a strong school culture cannot be overstated. A school where everyone feels they belong and are encouraged to do their best creates a climate where learning is not only possible but expected.
The lesson here is that a successful school culture is built through intentional actions—creating a sense of belonging, fostering trust, and setting clear expectations for both students and staff. When the culture aligns with the goals of the school, the results speak for themselves.
The transformation of Hurlingham Academy from an “inadequate” school to a “good” one was a result of hard work, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Through clear behavior policies, academic rigor, consistent leadership, and a focus on building a positive school culture, the school was able to provide students with the opportunities they needed to succeed.
For anyone working in education, these lessons are vital: set high expectations, create clear structures, and build a school culture that values effort and improvement. In doing so, we can unlock the full potential of every student.