The Albany School is a smaller-than-average-sized mixed academy in Havering. There are many more boys than girls. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs is below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged students for whom the school receives the pupil premium funding (additional government funding for students known to be eligible for free school meals and looked after children) is just above the national average. There are a few looked after children. The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is just below the national average. The school makes use of alternative provision for a few students in Year 10 and Year 11 to provide additional curriculum opportunities and to support students’ behaviour. These centres are: Motorvation; Head Jogs; Wellgate Forum; and Lambourne End. The school meets the government current floor standards, which set out the minimum expectations for students’ attainment and progress. The school has professional links with good and outstanding schools in the local area to support and develop its teaching and learning. These are West Hatch High School, Hall Mead School and Sydney Russell School. Almost two thirds of teaching staff, including all but two middle leaders, have joined the school since the last inspection.