Quick Links

Quick Links Open/Close

Bromley Beacon Academy

  • Visit the school's X / Twitter
  • Visit the school's Instagram
Part of London South East Academies Trust - click to visit LSEAT's website

Bromley special school celebrates its 10-year anniversary

Bromley special school celebrates its 10-year anniversary

 

Bromley Beacon Academy (BBA) brought together staff, leaders, councillors, pupils and parents on Friday (27 February) to celebrate a decade of transformative work with young people across the borough.
Part of London South East Academies Trust, the school provides specialist education for pupils aged 5-18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Formerly known as Burwood Academy, it joined LSEAT as a failing school in 2016, becoming Bromley Beacon Academy.
Over the past ten years, BBA has expanded and is now one of the largest special schools in the country. Its growth reflects both the rising demand for specialist SEMH provision and the school’s continued success in meeting the needs of some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people.
Guests included London Borough of Bromley’s Director of Education, Jared Nerah and its Head of Sufficiency, Rob Bollen. Local Councillor Kate Lymer (Bickley and Sundridge) also attended, along with (now retired) councillors Judith Ellis and Angela Hinds.
The school’s sixth form students served a fantastic afternoon tea and guests heard speeches from Headteacher Philip Tagoe, LBB’s Jared Nerah, Trust CEO, Dr Sam Parrett and Deputy CEO, Neil Miller.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE said:
“I am delighted to be here today, to celebrate together how far the school has come over the past decade. With the launch of the White Paper and the SEND Review – this has been a monumental week!
“The sustained improvement seen at BBA has only been possible through a true team effort – leaders, staff, pupils and families, working alongside the Local Authority and other key partners.
“We know how crucial specialist settings like BBA are for children and young people with SEMH and that demand for places is rising, both locally and nationally.
“Pupils here have been able to progress successfully into further education and meaningful employment, with every single one supported to reach their full potential. Thank you for your contributions - you should all be very proud of your hard work, which truly is transforming lives through the power of learning.”
Long Service Awards were presented to four members of staff who have been part of the Academy since 2016 including: Sue Bambridge; Elizabeth Burgess; Daniel Matellis and Kim Tucker.
Headteacher Philip Tagoe added:
“I am so proud to be standing here today to celebrate BBA’s 10-year anniversary. The school’s growth and success have been the result of so much hard work from so many people – including the people receiving long service awards today – thank you so much.
“Our pupils face many challenges every day but seeing them thrive and flourish in our supportive environment is what drives me and our amazing staff team. Thank you so much to everyone here and everyone who has been part of our journey – I look forward to continuing our important work in the borough.”
Parents and staff at the event added:
Catherine Gould, Deputy Head:
“It’s been so nice to have current and former members of staff coming together today, with everyone being valued. I’ve been here for 2 years and feel real pride to be part of the school’s journey - and excited about what I can add in the next 10 years!”
Rob Harding, Deputy Head:
“This has been a great opportunity for everyone to get together to celebrate the past 10 years, but also the good work we do every day – which has such a positive impact on our pupils’ lives.”
Sarah-Jane Williams, parent of Quincy (Year 6) and Rene (Year 9):
“Two of my children are at BBA and it’s been such an amazing experience for them both, so positive. The Behavioural team here are incredible, they put in so much effort and I couldn’t want for a better school. Everyone here is so supportive and understanding about what people are going through – it is like an extended family. It’s lovely to be here today and to have such a good connection with the school.”
Katie Walker, parent George (Year 11):
“George has been here since Year 7. What’s impressed me most is the relationship we’ve been able to establish with the school. Staff are so supportive and strive to get the best out of the children. The difference with George’s previous mainstream school is mind-blowing and it is amazing to see what he has been able to achieve here. It’s an honour to be invited today.”
For more information about London South East Academies Trust visit: https://lseat.org.uk

Bromley special school celebrates its 10-year anniversary