‘Tremendous recognition’: Cardinal Pole shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year in Tes Awards 2023

Headteacher Adam Hall (back, fourth from left) celebrates the nomination with students. Photograph: Cardinal Pole

The headteacher of a Hackney school has spoken of his delight after it was nominated in the prestigious Tes School Awards 2023.

Cardinal Pole Catholic School is one of eight institutions in the running for Secondary School of the Year.

Tes, formerly known as the Times Educational Supplement, holds the annual awards to celebrate teaching achievements across the UK.

Winners are chosen by a panel of experts and the awards are held in the highest regard by the education sector.

Cardinal Pole headteacher Adam Hall said: “To be shortlisted out of thousands of schools nationally is a tremendous recognition of Cardinal Pole’s forward thinking and inclusive philosophy as a school.

“We seek to balance an aim for high academic standards with a deep and personal commitment to every child’s wellbeing and personal development.

“We are delighted this has been recognised at a national level.”

More than 70 extracurricular activities are on offer at Cardinal Pole, with each student encouraged to take part in at least one per week at no cost to their family.

Hackney has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK, and the school also prides itself on the pastoral care provided to students and parents. This includes full-time, in-house mental health support so that pupils have access to quick and proactive intervention when needed.

The Tes Schools Awards will take place on Friday 23 June at London’s Grosvenor Park Hotel.