“Achievement, aspiration and a life-long passion for learning.” That’s the motto Royal Docks Academy lives by. Royal Docks Academy stands as a beacon of education in the heart of Custom House. It is located within the London Borough of Newham. Royal Docks Academy is a coeducational secondary school.
Let’s dive into the story of Royal Docks Academy. Originally known as Royal Docks Community School, it transitioned to academy status on January 1 2018. Today Royal Docks Academy is part of the Burnt Mill Academy Trust. Before Royal Docks Academy was built, there was another school. The former West Ham Stadium stood next to that school. Newham London Borough Council announced the stadium’s sale for redevelopment toward the end of 1971. The stadium was demolished May 26 1972.
In September 1999, Woodside Community School relocated to this site. Students from Woodside were invited to name the new school. A student named Joey won the competition. Royal Docks Community School was the winning name. Back then, the new Royal Docks Community School buildings were state of the art. Almost every classroom boasted digital interactive whiteboards. PCs with internet connections and Wi-Fi access were available across the building. Teachers could update attendance records immediately. Other borough schools were still testing a few interactive whiteboards at that time. Lifts and a spiral ramp replaced traditional stairs during construction. The first-floor sports hall had sprung floorboards.
Royal Docks Academy serves a diverse community. Newham hosted the Olympic Games in 2012. The school embraces its multi-ethnic and multi-cultural student population. Royal Docks Academy is fully inclusive. A dedicated department supports 25 pupils with profound, severe and multiple learning difficulties PMLD. A specialist PMLD team consists of teachers and support staff.
Royal Docks Academy has a committed team of teachers and support staff. The leadership team holds high expectations for every pupil. They aim to raise standards and improve teaching quality. Over the past five years, Royal Docks Academy’s reputation has grown. Most parents now express satisfaction. They are happy with the education their children receive here.
Royal Docks Academy accommodates pupils aged 11 to 16. Currently, 880 pupils are enrolled. The school has a capacity for 1200 students. Mr. John Blaney is the Headteacher. Royal Docks Academy doesn’t have a sixth form. The school is non-selective. More than half of the pupils 53.9% are eligible for free school meals. This equates to 467 pupils. Royal Docks Academy provides resourced provision for students with PMLD. There are 24 students on roll with a capacity of 25.
Royal Docks Academy continues to evolve. It creates a special environment. It celebrates achievement. It fosters aspiration. Royal Docks Academy encourages a lifelong passion for learning.