HAOC Awarded Centre of Excellence for Sports Leaders Programme

Harris Academy Ockendon awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Leadership Skills Foundation for the Sports Leader’s Programme.

Harris Academy Ockendon has been revealed as a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the school, which has been working on embedding the development of these essential skills into its curriculum and enrichment programme. 

With only 37 centres selected for the 2025-26 academic year from the 2,500 plus that the Leadership Skills Foundation works with annually, the accomplishment is testament to the work of Miss Thorndike, Enrichment Lead and Teacher of PE, as well as the PE department. Their work within the school using the Sports Leader’s Programme has resulted in lasting impact across the academy, with many dedicated learners benefiting from these opportunities each year.

The Centre of Excellence title was launched in 2023-24 and is presented to organisations that demonstrate a deeply held commitment to developing essential leadership skills in their learners to help them prepare for work and for life. To be considered, centres must adhere to a comprehensive list of criteria, including: a commitment to effective leadership practices, pathways for leadership throughout the academy community, fostering a positive school culture, implementing innovative leadership strategies and maintaining high standards of learner performance.

Richard Norman, Chief Executive for the Leadership Skills Foundation, said: “We are delighted to award Harris Academy Ockendon with Centre of Excellence status for the coming academic year. We believe that every young person should have access to opportunities to develop the skills they need to positively influence their future and their communities.

“Across the 2,500 centres we work with, Harris Academy Ockendon offers an incredible experience for its students to develop essential leadership skills, and it is a privilege to work with them. We can’t wait to see how they continue to build on their Excellence status.”

Leadership Skills Foundation

The Leadership Skills Foundation is a prominent awarding organisation dedicated to the development of leadership skills in young people. We bring these essential skills to life through practically applied qualifications and accredited awards across the curriculum and beyond, empowering learners with the confidence to believe, the qualities to lead and the skills to succeed.