Paddington Academy is proud to be a non-selective academy in inner West London, serving 1,265 students aged 11–18. We were first judged to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2011 and again in 2023—in every category—a consistency achieved by fewer than 10% of schools nationwide. We are heavily oversubscribed in every year group and have a large, thriving Sixth Form.
We have both worked here since the school opened in 2006, and we know what an incredible experience it is to be part of the Paddington Academy community. As Ofsted noted in 2023, “this is a very special place to learn in.” We are a community of hardworking students and dedicated staff, supported by aspirational parents who are committed to their children’s success, including progression to university.
Our mission is simple and proudly displayed in large letters in our reception:
Paddington Academy ensures every student is well-educated, has the opportunity to attend university, and is able to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
We believe that every student can achieve this mission, and everything we do is aimed at making it a reality for all. Our three core values—hard work, integrity, and excellence—are lived by both staff and students. We believe that striving for the best, while being kind and principled, is the right way to approach life. Ofsted recognised this, commenting that “student behaviour across the school is exceptional.”
Paddington Academy is a school focused on progress. We have consistently been in the top 10% of schools nationally for GCSE and A Level outcomes. We believe all students, regardless of their starting points, can achieve exceptional results. Our goal is to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. We do not make excuses: we firmly believe there are no barriers to achievement that cannot be overcome by determined, resilient students supported with the right guidance.
Our students in Year 11 receive an additional 1.5 hours of teaching each day, and our Sixth Form students benefit from 20% more teaching time than average, along with supervised independent study.
To bring out the best in everyone, we maintain high expectations across all aspects of school life—uniform, behaviour, communication, manners, and organisation. We are consistent and firm in upholding these standards. We focus on the small things that shape our culture and students’ attitudes to learning because we believe those details make a big difference.
We are equally committed to students' personal development. Alongside a knowledge-rich and broad curriculum—rooted in the English Baccalaureate at GCSE—we ensure that students receive a wide range of experiences and leadership opportunities. Our house system supports this, and all students participate in work experience twice during their time at the Academy.
As the lead teacher training school for United Learning—the largest multi-academy trust in the UK—we are responsible for training teachers across the group. This means we have exceptionally well-trained staff, small class sizes, and no use of supply teachers. Every Paddington student is taught by a committed subject specialist.
At the heart of our school is the strength of the relationships—between students and staff, and among students themselves. When you visit, you will immediately notice the warmth, positivity, and mutual respect that defines our community. Ofsted noted that “pupils view school as a welcoming community,” and we want all staff, students, and parents to feel that they belong here.
We look forward to welcoming you.
With very best wishes
Katie Gillam and Peter JonesPrincipals
United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.
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