Lucy Harrison, the headteacher of the Archer Academy in East Finchley, North London, has been awarded the title of best headteacher at the prestigious ‘Oscars of Education’ awards ceremony. This accolade honors her significant contributions to the secondary school sector since she took on the role in 2015, just two years after the school opened its doors in September 2013.
Reflecting on her journey into school leadership, Ms. Harrison described her motivation as a desire to shape school culture. Upon discovering plans for the new academy through a flyer at a local tube station, she felt compelled to apply for the headteacher position. Over the past decade, she has transformed the Archer Academy into a thriving environment, which she characterizes as a “happy nurturing place with academic excellence at the heart of it.”
One of the most notable changes implemented by Ms. Harrison was the strict policy on smartphone use. Recognizing the impact of increasing smartphone usage on students, she made the bold decision in May 2015 to ban smartphones from the school starting that September. At the time, this was a pioneering move, as few schools were addressing the issue. Ms. Harrison reflected, “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.”
In addition to her stance on technology, Ms. Harrison has introduced flexible working arrangements for her staff. This initiative allows teachers to work from home during designated times, helping them manage their personal schedules and responsibilities. “It is not about teaching lessons from home, but more so in terms of staff’s personal schedules like lesson planning, marking, etc.,” she explained.
Ms. Harrison’s passion for education can be traced back to her childhood, influenced by her mother, who was also a teacher and headteacher. She fondly recalls playing “schools” as a child and has always engaged with children through various roles, including as a Sunday school teacher. She emphasized the role of teachers in fostering self-belief in students, noting, “Teachers can show young people what a different world of opportunity can look like.”
Another aspect of the Archer Academy that she takes pride in is the extracurricular enrichment program. Each student participates in two sessions per week of compulsory enrichment activities, amounting to at least six different extracurricular experiences throughout the year. This initiative aims to cultivate students’ creative and analytical thinking skills, providing them with a strong foundation for their GCSEs.
Initially surprised by her recognition at the awards ceremony, Ms. Harrison described the moment she heard her name as “very special.” She expressed pride in having her school showcased on such a prominent platform.
Looking ahead, Ms. Harrison is eager for further changes within the education system. She advocates for more time allocated to teachers for curriculum planning and lesson development, ensuring each lesson is exceptional. “I would really like to think carefully and creatively about the role of technology moving forwards within education and what is in the best interest of young people,” she added.
In conclusion, Lucy Harrison’s leadership at the Archer Academy exemplifies a commitment to fostering an enriching educational environment. Her innovative approaches, particularly regarding technology and staff flexibility, continue to set a high standard in the field of education.
