Top 50 Most Improved Schools in England for Progress 8

We're proud to be ranked amongst the 50 most improved schools in England. We are the only school in Havering to appear on the list, making us the borough’s most improved school for Progress 8 during this period (2023-2024).

The list was published by The Excellence Hub, an education consultancy specialising in school improvement.

Luke Bowers, CEO of The Excellence Hub, said: “There has been a lot of news coverage following the DFE publication of the 2024 KS4 results, highlighting those schools (rightly so) who have achieved really high Progress 8 scores. It is also important to recognise that for some schools the journey is as important as the destination. I would therefore like to congratulate the team at Drapers' Academy for making significant progress in the last 12 months and for being one of the top 50 most improved schools in England. Well done!"

In school we have been celebrating our academic progress, highlighting a commitment to strategic planning that has delivered measurable improvements across the school.

Over the past few years, our school has introduced targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing outcomes for pupils. The recent focus on our new Behaviour Policy and our Drapers’ Pedagogy (how we teach) lies at the heart of this success as it ensures all staff have the highest expectations of all our pupils. These core initiatives have been further strengthened by embedding effective revision techniques into classroom practice, providing free core revision guides, and equipping all Year 11 pupils with a Chromebook to support their learning. Additionally, a comprehensive intervention programme has been introduced, offering in-school, after-school, and regular holiday intervention sessions to help pupils achieve their best.

These initiatives have yielded impressive results. Our Progress 8 score rose from -0.65 in 2023 to -0.13 in 2024 (an increase of +0.52 equivalent to half a grade higher in every subject), the highest in the school’s history. Non-mobile pupils (those who attended Drapers’ Academy from Year 7 to Year 11) achieved an even stronger P8 score of -0.03.

We have an ambitious curriculum, and proudly report that 60% of pupils were entered for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in 2024, compared to the national average of 40.4%. This is an impressive statistic when considering 46% of the cohort are eligible for Pupil Premium funding, and further illustrates the incredibly high expectations the Academy has for every pupil.

Our pupils have outperformed national averages in several areas, with the school achieving above-average percentages for both standard and strong passes in the EBacc pillars. Subject-specific success has also been notable, with Art, Design Technology, and Triple Science achieving pass rates above the national average.

To maintain and build on this progress, the we have implemented a range of progressive initiatives:

• Raising Achievement Programme: This new strategy identifies pupils across all year groups who require additional academic support, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
• Additional Achievement Leader for KS4: A dedicated leader has been appointed to monitor the progress of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, providing tailored interventions to maximise their outcomes.
• Curriculum Expansion: The school is refining its curriculum to include a broader range of vocational options such as Construction and Hair and Beauty, catering to wider pupil interests and career pathways.

Gillian Dineen, Principal of Drapers’ Academy, said: “I am extremely proud of the Drapers’ Academy school community. With these strategies in place the school is poised for continued improvement, ensuring that our pupils leave with the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in the future. 2024 saw us achieve our best-ever GCSE results, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and pupils. We are committed to creating an environment where every pupil can thrive, and the initiatives we have implemented for school improvement are just the beginning. I want to express heartfelt thanks to our parents, carers, and the wider community for their unwavering support, and to our incredible staff for their continued dedication. These results truly demonstrate the strength of working together to achieve life changing outcomes for our pupils."

Darren Luckhurst, CEO of Drapers’ Multi Academy Trust, said: "I am delighted for the school and the achievements of our pupils. The school has made exceptional progress, both before and after the pandemic. Its relentless focus on ensuring pupils achieve the progress they deserve is truly commendable.”