Principal’s Update
Published: Fri 12 December 2025Dear Parents and Carers,
We are coming to the end of a long and demanding term: year 7 students have made the huge transition to secondary school; year 12 students have begun their KS5 studies and students in all year groups have worked hard and embraced the opportunities offered. We know that everyone is looking forward to an enjoyable and a well deserved break starting Friday 19th December 2025 at 3.15pm. We expect full attendance until then, to ensure students don’t miss out on learning or our exciting Christmas activities.
Speak Out Challenge
On Friday 12th December, Year 10 took part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. Students stepped away from their usual lessons for a full day of oracy workshops, group tasks, and speech writing. They ended the day delivering their own speeches with confidence. Every student earned a certificate for completing the programme. Thank you to the Jack Petchey Foundation for making this possible.
Winter Production
The City Academy Hackney delivered another standout winter production. This year’s show, Ghost Stories for Christmas, kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Our students brought the old tradition of telling ghost stories by firelight back to life, using clever lighting, film and sharp storytelling to build suspense. They performed three chilling tales (re-interpretations of classics such as The Signalman and The Monkey’s Paw) with confidence and skill and were so convincing the audience were checking over their shoulders on the journey home!
Year 11 and 13 Parent & Carer Day
Parent and Carer Day for Year 11 and Year 13 will take place on Tuesday 6th January 2026. This is your final chance to meet all subject teachers before the public exams. You will receive your child’s mock exam results and teachers will discuss strengths and areas for improvement.
Important:
• Students must attend with their parent/carer and must be in full school uniform.
• Students cannot attend alone.
Available time slots:
• 13:00 – 15:15 (last entry 14:45)
• 16:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:30)
Please book through the link provided in the MCAS app. If you need any assistance with logging into MCAS please email: communication@thecityacademy.org
Hackney Food Bank Collection
This week, the Student Leadership Team led an assembly on the importance of commitment to communities through food donations. For those wanting to help people in need The City Academy Hackney will continue collecting items for Hackney Food Bank until Thursday 18th December 2025. A list of suggested food donations are available here.
ACT Early – Online Safety Reminder
As many parents will be buying new devices for children this Christmas, ACT Early have suggested that parents stay alert to their children’s online activity. Last year, London saw a 38% rise in Prevent referrals involving children highlighting the need to set proper parental controls and stay involved in their digital lives. This helps reduce the risk of exposure to extremist content or pathways to radicalisation. The ACT Early website offers guidance on warning signs, how to approach conversations with your child, and what to do if you’re concerned: https://actearly.uk
Dates for Your Diary
• Christmas Concert: Wednesday 17th December 2025
• Last Day of School: Friday 19th December 3.15pm
• Year 11 & 13 Parent/Carer Day: Tuesday 6th January 2025
• First Day Back: Wednesday 7th January 2025 8.40am