A celebrated east London secondary school widely recognised for its strong academic outcomes has been criticised for creating what an independent safeguarding review describes as a “particularly harmful” disciplinary environment for vulnerable pupils. The report—commissioned by the City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership (CHSCP)—examined the culture, behaviour systems and pastoral support at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) and raised significant concerns about how the school’s strict ethos affected students with additional needs.
Independent Review Highlights Troubling Practices
Culture of Shouting, Humiliation and Lack of Support
The review, led by safeguarding expert Sir Alan Wood, investigated 73 individual accounts involving the academy, supplemented by testimony from parents, pupils, staff members and external professionals. It concluded that certain disciplinary practices became detrimental to the wellbeing of pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
According to the findings, routine shouting, public reprimands, and a lack of tailored support for students with additional needs formed a significant part of the school’s behaviour model. These issues, the review noted, created a rigid environment where compliance was often prioritised over meaningful pastoral care.
High Achievement at “Too High a Cost”
MVPA, which operates within the Hackney-based Mossbourne Federation, is considered one of the highest-performing comprehensive schools in England. However, the review stated that the institution’s academic success had been achieved “at too high a cost for some pupils,” particularly those who found it difficult to cope with its strict behavioural expectations.
Concerns raised by parents and staff, the report found, were sometimes dismissed as “vexatious”, fostering frustration among families who felt their voices were not heard. Governors were also criticised for failing to properly scrutinise disciplinary data or challenge practices that may have been harmful.
Key Concerns Identified in the Review
Disciplinary Measures Considered “Inappropriate” or Excessive
The report identified several behaviour management strategies that raised safeguarding red flags:
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Routine shouting at pupils
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Use of “desking”, where students were placed at isolated desks in corridors for minor infractions
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Disproportionate sanctions for SEND pupils, particularly when behaviours stemmed from their conditions
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Evidence that some demographic groups—including SEND pupils and some ethnic groups—were sanctioned more frequently, with no indication that the school monitored these disparities
Mental health professionals who contributed to the review suggested that the school’s culture could exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges among vulnerable young people.
Long-Term Emotional Impact on Students
Several pupils interviewed for the review described lasting psychological effects linked to their experiences at the school. These included:
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Persistent loss of confidence
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Heightened anxiety
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Emotional distress that continued well after leaving the school
The findings suggested that for some children, the school’s environment created long-term consequences that extended beyond academic life.
Parent and Staff Concerns Take Centre Stage
Parents Report Feeling Ignored
Parents involved in the review said they frequently found it difficult to have concerns acknowledged or addressed. Some described situations where their calls, emails and complaints went unanswered, contributing to growing frustration and distrust.
A number of parents said the formal complaints system operated less as a tool for resolving issues and more as a “defensive shield”, protecting the school’s reputation rather than prioritising the welfare of children.
Staff Describe a “Climate of Fear”
Testimonies from current and former staff painted a picture of a pressurised working environment. According to the review:
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Staff felt under pressure to reprimand pupils publicly
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There was a culture that discouraged empathy
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Some feared repercussions if they raised concerns internally
This environment, the report suggested, made it difficult for staff to challenge potentially harmful practices.
Federation Responds to Safeguarding Concerns
In a statement, the Mossbourne Federation confirmed it had received the review and was considering its findings “carefully and in detail” across its Members Trust, governing board and senior leadership team.
The federation said the report also recognised “the strong outcomes the schools achieve for pupils alongside high levels of support from parents and staff”, and thanked its school communities for their continued commitment.
The trust reiterated its dedication to ensuring students from all backgrounds are able to thrive and reach their full potential.
Background: Previous Allegations and Earlier Findings
Media Reports Sparked Safeguarding Review
The Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review was launched following reports by the BBC and other media outlets that raised concerns about a “toxic and humiliating culture” within MVPA and Mossbourne Community Academy.
Last month, a separate review by Anne Whyte KC assessed the federation’s safeguarding policies and found them largely compliant with statutory requirements. However, it identified weaknesses in school culture, communication practices, and parental engagement. This earlier review echoed the theme that some families felt their concerns were not adequately heard, recommending improvements in how schools interact with parents.
New Report Follows Investigation into Essex Schools
150 Pupil Withdrawals Raise Further Questions
Tuesday’s safeguarding report was published only hours after a fresh BBC News investigation revealed around 150 pupil withdrawals from secondary schools in Essex that were recently taken over by the Mossbourne Federation. Parents cited a range of concerns, many of which echoed issues raised in the Hackney review.
The timing of both reports, occurring within the same day, has heightened pressure on the trust to address concerns about safeguarding practices and school culture across all its sites.
Local Authority Reaction
Hackney Council Calls Publication a “Critical Moment”
Hackney Council described the release of the review as a “critical moment” in evaluating and improving children’s experiences in the borough’s schools. The council acknowledged that some findings may cause “upset” for pupils, families and staff.
Although the authority’s oversight of academies is limited, it emphasised that statutory freedoms relating to curriculum and behaviour must remain consistent with Department for Education guidance. The council added that it is reviewing the findings to determine how best to strengthen its support for schools to ensure children’s wellbeing remains central.
Conclusion
The safeguarding review into Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy presents a stark picture of a high-performing school where strict discipline, while effective academically, created a harmful environment for some pupils—especially those with additional needs. The report has prompted renewed debate about the balance between academic excellence and pastoral care, raising important questions about how schools maintain discipline while ensuring every child feels supported.
As the Mossbourne Federation reviews the findings and considers next steps, parents, staff and local authorities will be watching closely for evidence of cultural change. The report underscores that strong academic results cannot come at the expense of pupil wellbeing, and that effective safeguarding must remain at the heart of every school’s ethos.