Principal’s Update
Published: Mon 23 February 2026Dear parent/carers,
This has been an eventful half term, filled with lots of opportunities and a huge amount of hard work as usual. Students will start Spring 2 with assessments: please see the timetables here.
We look forward to welcoming Years 7 and 10 today, Monday 23rd February for their Parent/Carer Day. All students will return on Tuesday 24th February at the usual time.
Parent Governor Election
One of our current parent governors, Nasir Uddin, is stepping down from his role on the governing body as his term comes to an end. We would like to thank Nasir for his years of committed service to the academy and for bringing expertise and challenge to the local governing board. If you can bring energy, expertise and commitment to our local governing board, please consider putting yourself forward as a candidate. See here full details and here for the application form to put forward your candidacy by the deadline Friday 6th March 2026.
UKMT Certificates
A huge congratulations to our exceptional mathematicians in Years 9–11. Of the 138 students who took part in the UKMT Challenge, over 50% received a certificate.
- Gold: Awarded to the top 8-9% of participants globally: 14 certificates achieved
- Silver: Awarded to the next 16-17% of participants: 22 certificates achieved
- Bronze: Awarded to the next 25% of participants: 35 certificates achieved
Congratulations to Shahla Elhassan in year 11 who achieved the highest mark at the academy.
Corporate Services Committee Dinner
On Wednesday 4th February, four of our Sixth Form students (Preciosa Vemba, Tamie Nguyen, Dai Nguyen and Anis Zeddam) attended a Corporate Services Committee Dinner for the City of London.
They were able to network with leaders in business and corporate services, and made The City Academy, Hackney proud with their confidence, communication and independence. They have made some great contacts who provided advice and guidance on future careers.
Holocaust Memorial Day – Guest Speaker
On Monday 9th February, as part of a programme of events for Holocaust Memorial Day, we welcomed Vivienne Cato from the charity generation2generation. She spoke movingly about her mother, Eva Cato’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor and gave year 9 students a powerful insight into life during and after the Holocaust. Students also had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and learn more about this important part of history.
Attendance
Over the past term, our students have worked hard to improve their punctuality and attendance. More than 200 students have increased their attendance by at least 3%. Well done to everyone who has made such positive progress. There is a strong link between good attendance, punctuality and high academic achievement: all students are aiming to achieve at least 96% attendance.
Careers interviews
The week before half term, students in Years 8 and 9 took part in 1:1 careers coaching sessions with volunteers from the charity My Big Careers. During these sessions, students discussed their interests, hobbies and future aspirations. Volunteers also shared insights into their own career journeys and experiences.
In line with our Theme of the Week — “Why is X Important? Careers & Maths” — students and volunteers explored how maths is used in a wide range of professions.
Students commented: “Very motivational and made me understand what I really want to do.”; “They were very supportive with all my inspirations and plans for the future.”; “I enjoyed how we spoke about how I am not limited to just one job if I pick specific subjects and that I can always try other things too.”
Dates for your diary:
Parent/carer day year 7/10 – Monday 23rd February 2026
First day for all year groups – Tuesday 24th February 2026
Outward bound trip – Monday 2nd March 2026
Year 6 Offer Day – Monday 2nd March 2026