Derrick K. Ashong

Barking Abbey School was founded in 1922 as one of the first co-educational grammar schools in England. At the time, it was situated in a largely rural area, with fields and farmland close by. Gradually, as Barking began to expand as a residential centre, the school became the focal point for the community with an educational provision of national standing. In 1970, Barking Abbey Grammar School was merged with Park Modern School to form what has now become ‘Barking Abbey School: A Specialist Sports and Humanities College’. Many traditions of the old schools remain, but with important developments to enable the school and its pupils to be fully prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of life in the twenty-first century. One thing remains central, however: we are an outstanding success. Barking Abbey is a mixed school of approximately 2,000 pupils. It is traditionally heavily oversubscribed and each year takes 270 new pupils. In recent years, the school has enjoyed great success across many areas. In 1997 it was among the first six schools to be awarded Specialist Sports College status. At the same time a grant of £2.1 million from the Sport England Lottery Unit and the Borough of Barking and Dagenham enabled the building of a large Leisure Centre. We are proud of the fact that we are a multi-cultural community and we seek to celebrate our diversity in as many ways as possible. Tolerance of, respect for, and understanding of others are vital aspects of preparing young people for adult life. This ethos is what underpins our school motto: “Barking Abbey School is a place where everyone gives and expects the best” and where everyone can say, “I belong”.