Welcome from the Headteacher

I am delighted to welcome you to the website of The Urswick School, a mixed secondary school located in the heart of Hackney. We are one of the oldest schools in England and we will celebrate our 505th anniversary in 2025.

In 1520 Christopher Urswick, Rector of Hackney, set up a free school in his Rectory on the site of what is now a public house on Mare Street. The original school taught 12 ‘poor boys to learn and read’. The school was known for centuries as Hackney Free and Parochial and eventually settled on a single site in Paragon Road where we are located today.

Our school offers 150 places in Years 7 to 11 and has a highly successful Sixth Form. In September 2011 we re-named the school in honour of our Founder Christopher Urswick. We are proud of our history and continue to provide education consistent with Christian teaching. Our Mission Statement ‘Believe and Achieve’ promotes our high aspirations for all our learners of whatever background or faith. We are a Christian school not just a school for Christians.

I have been Headteacher of the school for 16 years. During that time the DFE have named Urswick as one of the Top 100 most improved schools nationwide, we have numerous awards and our building was the Hackney Design Awards People’s Choice Winner. We have been awarded Artsmark Platinum by Arts Council England in recognition of the excellence of our provision in the Arts. 

“The teaching standards at Urswick are exceptional! My daughter is very well cared for while she is at school. She very much enjoys attending lessons as all of her teachers are kind, patient and thoughtful to her individual needs. Thank you to everyone at The Urswick School" 

- Year 11 Parent

The school was last inspected by OFSTED in November 2023. All aspects of the school were graded as 'Good'. OFSTED reports 'Children are happy and safe at this school' 'In the classroom, pupils behave well and with a positive attitude towards their learning'. 

In October 2021 Urswick achieved the highest grade, Excellent, in an Inspection by the National Society – who regulate Church of England Schools. The report describes the school as ‘truly transformational’ and states ‘There is a strong sense that this is a family. The Urswick School is a loving and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated widely. Staff and pupils are richly nurtured and encouraged so they flourish abundantly’.

https://www.theurswickschool.co.uk/71/siams-report

If you are looking to educate your child in a caring environment focused on achievement, then come to The Urswick School. We have an excellent staff team, with very low staff turnover and specialists with relevant qualifications to teach their subject, especially in Maths, Science and English. OFSTED praised the ‘exemplary’ behaviour of our students, and reported how rare incidents of bullying are effectively dealt with by the school. In a survey of Year 7 parents in 2023, 98.5% agree with the statement ‘My Child Enjoys School’. 96% agreed, ‘I feel my child is safe and well cared for at school.’

If you currently have a child in Year 5 and 6 at primary school, I hope very much you will visit our school to find out more. I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Richard Brown B.ED (Hons) NPQH

Executive Headteacher

Headteacher's Surgery