Top independent schools join forces with Club and Highgate School to provide outstanding educational opportunity

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• Eight top independent schools to partner Club and Highgate at the London Academy of Excellence (LAE) Tottenham

• New state-funded Sixth Form set to open in September 2017 on the site of Club’s new stadium development

• Young people set to benefit from the first class teaching of the country’s top independent schools

• LAE Tottenham set to follow on from the success of the first LAE in Stratford – labelled the ‘Eton of the East End’

Top independent schools have joined the Club and Highgate School to deliver a new state-funded Sixth Form set to open in one of London’s most underprivileged areas in September.

The London Academy of Excellence (LAE) Tottenham will sit within the Club’s new stadium development project, following the model of the highly successful first LAE in Stratford – labelled the ‘Eton of the East End’.

It earned the title after sending eight students to Oxford and Cambridge a year ago thanks to collaboration with top public schools, including Eton itself, while prioritising local students most likely to benefit from an academically-rigorous curriculum and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

After Spurs and Highgate announced the creation of LAE Tottenham last May, renowned independent schools including Alleyn's, Chigwell, Harrow, Mill Hill, North London Collegiate, St Albans, St Dunstan’s and Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ – recently named as the Sunday Times’ Independent School of the Year – have come on board as partners to offer expertise and first-class teaching.

Dr Gary Savage, Headmaster of Alleyn’s School, said: “I am delighted that Alleyn’s is a partner of the exciting London Academy of Excellence Tottenham. The venture will provide many fantastic opportunities for all parties involved – students and partners alike – to contribute, participate and collaborate, building on values of partnership and community. In this sense, LAE Tottenham very much accords with Alleyn’s own closely-held vision and values, and we all look forward to making a real difference to the success of the Academy and its students.”

Frances King, Head of Mill Hill School and CEO of Mill Hill School Foundation, said: “Mill Hill School is looking forward to this close association with LAE Tottenham. We are pleased to be able to develop a partnership with an institution ambitious to provide the best education for the young people of London.”

Nicholas Hewlett, Headmaster, St Dunstan’s College, said: “St Dunstan's is delighted by the opportunity to help support the development of the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham. The recognition of aspiration and support for social mobility that the LAE embodies are entirely in tune with our own values as an inclusive, diverse and ambitious school. We look forward to the opportunities and benefits that this collaboration can bring to both communities.”

Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “We are excited to be bringing some of the country’s best teachers to our doorstep, giving young people in Tottenham access to the standard of education available at top independent schools.

“This is an extension of the Club’s continued efforts to improve the educational and employment opportunities for local people as the ongoing regeneration of the area progresses.

“LAE Tottenham will provide a fantastic opportunity to young people in this part of London, ensuring Tottenham’s brightest and most talented students are given the chance of the first-class education they deserve.”

Adam Pettitt, Head of Highgate School, said: “Although Highgate School is situated in an affluent area of London, some of the least affluent and most challenged parts of the whole city are on our doorstep. With LAE Tottenham, we want to enable bright, local children, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds, to access a high-calibre academic education and first-rate preparation for university and employment.

“We want to create opportunity at the heart of Tottenham, in what is the most stunning educational building. This kind of collaboration is our way of being both a charity, which fundamentally we are, whilst remaining true to our educational ethos.”

Jan Balon, Principal-Designate, London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, said: “LAE Tottenham will offer a first-class academic Sixth Form curriculum, delivered by subject specialist teachers. The curriculum will focus on facilitating and challenging A-Level subjects which offer the greatest opportunities for access to the world’s top universities and employers.

“Alongside this, students will receive exceptional support for their university applications, provided by our partner schools with their track record of academic success and world-class university destinations.”

The creation of LAE Tottenham is another significant milestone in the ongoing sport-led regeneration of Tottenham, with the construction of a new 61,000-seater stadium that, once complete, is expected to support around 3,500 jobs, with £293 million pumped into the local economy each year.

LAE Tottenham will hold its next Open Day for prospective students and their parents on Saturday (January 21), with time slots available at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

To find out more or register your interest in attending London’s latest first-class educational offering, visit www.laetottenham.org.uk