City of London Academy Highgate Hill recognised as a healthy school

An academy in Islington has been recognised as a ‘healthy school’ following an inspection by the council’s Health and Wellbeing Team.

City of London Academy Highgate Hill was awarded the accolade for supporting its pupils’ health and wellbeing. The review looked at the how the academy helps students, families and staff to make healthy choices when it comes to their diet and mental health.

Prince Gennuh, Principal at City of London Academy Highgate Hill, said:

“We want to ensure that our students not only eat healthy but also feel healthy.

“We’re proud to have been recognised as one of four Islington secondary schools to have achieved this award.

“The benefits of good nutrition and wellbeing goes beyond health.

“We know that when we are healthy and happy we achieve more together.”

Last year Highgate Hill introduced a policy for all students to carry a water bottle, which forms part of their uniform. The policy reduces the use of plastic and encourages pupils to stay hydrated.

The school provides nutritious, balanced meals – and free salad is available every day.

As part of the assessment assessors looked at curriculum planning, teaching of physical education, online safety, cooking and nutrition, oral health, budgeting and food safety.

Helen Cameron, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Islington Council’s School Improvement Service, said:

“Congratulations to City of London Academy Highgate Hill on their recognition as an Islington and Camden Healthy School.

“The academy is one of four Islington secondary schools that have achieved this award, which recognises the support they provide for pupil’s health and wellbeing.

“The quality assurance panel were impressed by the academy’s commitment to work in this area and in particular their work with other organisations to support positive mental health and healthy eating.”

City of London Academy Highgate Hill is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sole sponsored academies.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

About the City of London Corporation: The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.