Mossbourne Academy, Hackney Gets Go Ahead From Gove To Expand

Flagship Academy Gets Green Light To Expand

One of England's original academy schools has been given the go ahead to expand.

Mossbourne Academy in Hackney, east London, has been granted permission to open a second academy in the borough.

The plan was approved by the Government following a request from the Mayor of Hackney, the Department for Education (DfE) said.

The new school is due to open in September 2014 in Victoria Park, Hackney, in the site of the former Cardinal Pole Lower School.

It will cater to 800 students.

Mossbourne Academy principal Sir Michael Wilshaw said: "I am delighted at this news, We are proud at Mossbourne that children in a deprived and disadvantaged part of London are doing exceptionally well and achieving the highest levels.

"It is important, therefore, that we extend our influence and good practice. Therefore I am delighted that a new school sponsored by the Mossbourne Trust will be opening in South Hackney in the next couple of years."

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "Mossbourne Academy's achievements are extraordinary. Mossbourne demonstrates that any school, whatever the background of pupils, can achieve exceptional results and help students go to the best universities in the world."

This year, 10 Mossbourne students were offered places at Oxford and Cambridge.

The academy opened in 2004 under the last Labour government, on the site of the failing Hackney Downs School which was closed in 1995.

Close

What's Hot