Message from the headteacher

Swanlea is a large, vibrant and thriving school in the centre of London. With roughly 1000 students on roll, plus a further 360 studying at our collaborative Sixth Form, Cambridge Heath, Swanlea students contribute significantly to the exciting and developing community of Whitechapel.

Swanlea was one of the first schools in the country to be awarded Business and Enterprise specialist status by the Department for Education in 2002, and in its recent inspection by Ofsted (18th -19th  November 2008) Swanlea was judged to be outstanding.

The school also holds the Healthy Schools award, Investors in People award, Artsmark silver, the British Council Gold standard International award and Advanced Status for Out of Hours Learning Provision. Swanlea is a school with enormous strengths. Through the continual hard work and co-operation of staff, students, parents and governors, we have built an enviable reputation for outstanding academic success, as well as an excellent standard of pastoral care.

At Swanlea we have very high expectations of everyone who is involved with the school - from students to parents and governors. Our goal is to see all students become highly skilled learners, achieving excellent standards and leading fulfilling and exciting lives. Students and teachers alike enjoy lessons, which make for a positive and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school. Our commitment to equal opportunities is reflected in all aspects of school life and we welcome young people from all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.

We aim to have students leave Swanlea as well-educated, knowledgeable, confident and well-rounded individuals. As described in our most recent Ofsted report, Enterprise and Business is embedded in the school’s ethos and teaching right across the curriculum, and we have found that it can bring passion and excellence to teaching and learning.

Brenda Landers, Headteacher