Lucy Harrison, the headteacher of the Archer Academy in East Finchley, London, has been awarded the title of the best headteacher in the secondary school category at the prestigious “Oscars of Education” awards night. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to the school and innovative leadership since she took the helm in 2015.
Taking over the role two years after the Archer Academy opened its doors in September 2013, Ms. Harrison embraced the opportunity to shape the school’s culture. Upon learning about the new school through a flyer at a local tube station, she felt compelled to apply for the position. Reflecting on her decade-long tenure, she described the school as a “thriving busy place” that fosters a “happy nurturing environment with academic excellence at its heart.”
One of Ms. Harrison’s most notable initiatives was the implementation of a smartphone ban in May 2015. At a time when smartphone usage among young people was on the rise, she observed its detrimental effects on students. “It felt really brave, but I’ve never looked back and I strongly believe it’s one of the best things that I’ve done,” she stated. This policy has become a cornerstone of her leadership, setting a precedent that few other schools were willing to follow at the time.
In addition to the smartphone policy, flexible working arrangements for staff have been a priority under Ms. Harrison’s leadership. She introduced measures allowing teachers to work from home during designated periods, enabling them to manage their personal schedules more effectively. “It is not about teaching lessons from home, but more so in terms of staff’s personal schedules like lesson planning and marking,” she elaborated.
Ms. Harrison’s passion for education is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences, as she grew up in a family of teachers. Her mother served as both a teacher and headteacher, and Ms. Harrison engaged with children from an early age, often playing games that involved teaching. She believes that teachers play a vital role in instilling self-belief in students, demonstrating the broader opportunities that education can provide.
Another aspect of her leadership that she takes pride in is the extracurricular enrichment programme, which mandates all students participate in two sessions per week. Over the course of the year, students engage in at least six extracurricular activities, aimed at enhancing their creative and analytical thinking skills. “What it does is generate young people’s skills to set them ahead so they can really smash their GCSEs,” Ms. Harrison noted.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Harrison expressed her surprise and gratitude, stating that it was a “very special moment” to see her school showcased in such a prestigious setting. She emphasized her desire for further changes in education, particularly advocating for more time within the working week for teachers to focus on curriculum planning and marking. “I would really like to think carefully and creatively about the role of technology moving forward within education and what is in the best interest of young people,” she added.
Ms. Harrison’s recognition at the “Oscars of Education” not only reflects her individual accomplishments but also underscores the positive impact of her policies on the student body and staff at the Archer Academy. Her vision for an enriching educational environment continues to inspire both students and colleagues alike.
