John O'Farrell

John O'Farrell, Chair of Governors

Yet again a huge number of students applied to Lambeth Academy and I only wish there was room for them all. Because every child deserves the excellent all-round education that students get at Lambeth Academy. 

Our Principal Stephen Potter and his Deputy, Jim Henderson,  were part of a leadership team judged as ‘excellent' by Ofsted, and their passion, rigour and commitment fill me with confidence about the outstanding all round education that is being provided at the school.  I myself have two children at the school; and it is wonderful to see groups of young people you have known since reception, now walking to school together, using the amazing facilities after school hours, and even going in early for breakfast if they wish!   But as Chair of Governors I've also had the privilege of seeing the school from the inside.  Whether it is observing lessons, looking at displays about one of the overseas trips (to such diverse locations as the art galleries of Russia or the ski slopes of Austria!), listening to the wonderful musicians or simply eating the fantastic school dinners, I always come away exhilarated and amazed at the infectious enthusiasm of the teachers and the confidence and behaviour of the students.

I never take it for granted how happy the children are at Lambeth Academy, but we as parents can also be happy in the knowledge that they will be getting a first-rate education at a school that is at the heart of their local community.  It is a modern, supportive and world-class learning environment in which every child finds what it is that he or she loves to do and then really excels at it.  ‘The Best in Everyone' means exactly that.