- The school, in northwest London, was previously known as Capital City Academy. In 2023 it became part of the Harris Federation, an education charity with a reputation for operating high-achieving schools.
- The academy’s “all-glass” building is a dramatic landmark, half a kilometre in length. It was designed by the world-renowned architect Norman Foster and his firm, Foster + Partners (also responsible for The Gherkin and Heathrow Terminal 2).
- A robust careers programme, using the Gatsby Benchmarks, helps students to work towards their future pathways. There is a strong emphasis on university education, from specialised support for medicine and veterinary science programmes to help with Oxford and Cambridge applications.
- HLAW is a specialist sports and arts academy and nurtures students who win scholarships and professional contracts across the globe. High-quality facilities include a gymnasium with stadium-style seating, which is used by championship-winning basketball clubs such as London Elite.
- The wellbeing of staff and pupils is taken seriously, and students benefit from therapeutic support.
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