The Excelsior Academy
58%
Capacity
992
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About The Excelsior Academy
The Excelsior Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Hackney community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 992 pupils on roll, operating at 58% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated The Excelsior Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Omar Deria, it falls under Hackney local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.62 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 30.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D. Additionally, ranked 2757th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 16 in Hackney.
The Excelsior Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 323 applications for 236 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 152 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Excelsior Academy include Tennis Courts, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Theatre, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Martial Arts, Dance, Football and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Book Club, Model UN, Eco Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 69.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Hackney, The Excelsior Academy is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Shacklewell Lane, London, Hackney, E8 2EY |
| Headteacher | Omar Deria |
| Local Authority | Hackney |
| Number of Pupils | 992 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 69.9% |
| School Capacity | 992 / 1,710 (58% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.62)
2757th of 3,141
Nationally
465th of 487
In London
16th of 16
In Hackney
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
26.6
'22/23
15.9
'23/24
21.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed236
323
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
152 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Excelsior Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Shacklewell Lane, London
Hackney, E8 2EY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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