The Excelsior Academy
About The Excelsior Academy
The Excelsior Academy is a mixed secondary school in Hackney that currently educates 992 pupils against a total capacity of 1,710, meaning it is operating well below its potential intake. The school serves a significantly disadvantaged community, with 69.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals — far higher than the national average and a clear indicator of the challenges the school faces. Despite this, demand for places remains strong. For the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 323 applications for 236 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.37. Of those applicants, 152 put the school as their first preference, and all of them received an offer. This suggests that while the school is oversubscribed overall, it is not among the most fiercely competitive in the borough, and families who prioritise it are likely to secure a place.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 May 2024Source: Ofsted, 19 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:30 – 15:30
Breakfast club
07:45-08:20
Source: excelsiorcst.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
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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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications