The London Academy of Excellence, a state-funded free school sixth-form located in Newham, East London, has achieved its best ever results with a remarkable 62 students receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge universities. This figure represents more than a quarter of the entire Year 13 cohort at the institution, which is often referred to as the 'Eton of the East End'.
Record-Breaking Achievement in London's Poorest Borough
Newham was recently ranked as the most deprived borough in London according to the 2025 Indices of Multiple Deprivation study. Despite this challenging context, the selective academy has produced Oxbridge offer numbers that rival some of Britain's most prestigious independent schools. The breakdown shows 39 pupils receiving offers from Cambridge University and 23 from Oxford University.
Social Mobility at the Heart of Success
What makes this achievement particularly significant is the demographic profile of the successful students. Approximately half of those holding Oxbridge offers come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including some who are carers and others with refugee status. Furthermore, two-thirds of these students will be the first in their families to attend university, marking a substantial breakthrough in educational opportunity.
The school's headmaster, Alex Crossman, emphasized the institution's mission in comments to BBC News: 'We exist very much to provide a particular type of opportunity, academic and professional, to communities that have not traditionally benefited from those sorts of opportunities.'
Comparison with Elite Private Schools
The scale of this achievement becomes even more apparent when compared with some of the country's most expensive private institutions. According to reports, St Paul's School in London, which charges £36,000 per year, secured 65 Oxbridge offers, while Westminster School, with fees of £50,000 annually, received 75 offers. The London Academy of Excellence's total of 62 offers represents nearly two-thirds higher than its previous record.
Additionally, four more students have been placed in Cambridge University's 'winter pool', where they are being considered by other colleges and could potentially receive offers for foundation degree programs.
Strategic Approach to University Applications
School staff attribute part of their success to adopting a 'more expansive approach' to Oxbridge applications over the past year. This strategy involved encouraging a 'larger and more diverse group of students to apply', breaking down traditional barriers that might have prevented talented students from considering these elite universities.
The school's official statement highlighted: 'This achievement speaks directly to social mobility and the power of prioritising the needs of our most disadvantaged students, such that the whole school community benefits.'
Foundation and Support Structure
Founded in 2012 as a state-funded free school sixth-form, the London Academy of Excellence was established with backing from leading independent schools including Eton College. This partnership was designed specifically to improve opportunities for high-achieving pupils from lower-income backgrounds to access top-level education.
The institution receives financial support from both Eton College and Brighton College, along with donations from various individuals and foundations. This funding model has enabled the school to maintain high academic standards while serving a diverse student population.
Academic Standards and Recognition
Prospective students must demonstrate strong academic potential to gain admission to the London Academy of Excellence. The entry requirements specify that applicants must be on track to achieve at least eight GCSEs at grades 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A), including at least a grade 7 in both mathematics and English language.
The school's academic excellence has been formally recognized, with the institution ranked sixth in this year's Sunday Times league tables for schools.
Political and Community Recognition
Local MP Uma Kumaran, Labour representative for Stratford and Bow, has written to congratulate both students and staff on their remarkable achievement. She praised the 'remarkable achievements with university offers' which she described as 'a testament to both the leadership you show, and that of your staff, as well as to the students' hard work, dedication and talent'.
Ms Kumaran highlighted additional impressive statistics: 'Around two thirds of students are expected to be the first in their families to go to university, and that 60 per cent of offer holders are female - these are truly remarkable statistics, and I know the impact it will have on students and their families alike.'
The school's statement further elaborated on the challenges overcome by many of their successful applicants: 'Around half of those holding offers this year have faced significant barriers during their educational journey, including financial hardship, time spent in care, and having caring responsibilities themselves towards family members. That these students are so strongly represented among our Oxbridge offer-holders is something we are especially proud of.'
