Skinners' Company History

Skinners' Academy, located in Woodberry Grove, Hackney, stands as a beacon of educational excellence with roots tracing back to the late 19th century.

Originally established in 1890 as The Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls in Stamford Hill, the institution was founded by the Worshipful Company of Skinners to provide quality education for young women in London. 

Over the decades, the school evolved, becoming London's first voluntary-aided comprehensive school in 1972, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence.

In 2010, embracing the changing educational landscape and the needs of the local community, the school transitioned into Skinners' Academy, a co-educational institution catering to students aged 11 to 19.

The Academy's state-of-the-art facilities, inaugurated by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in 2011, were designed with sustainability and modern pedagogical approaches in mind, including open-plan learning spaces and eco-friendly features like rainwater recycling systems.

Today, Skinners' Academy serves a diverse student body of over 1,000 pupils, with more than 60% speaking English as an additional language and over 86% from ethnic minority backgrounds. The Academy continues to uphold its motto, "Be the best you can be," by fostering an environment that encourages academic achievement, personal growth, and community engagement.

The Worshipful Company of Skinners: A Heritage of Service

The Worshipful Company of Skinners’, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, has a storied history dating back to its Royal Charter in 1327. Originally associated with the fur trade, the Company has long since transitioned to focus on philanthropic endeavours, particularly in education. Beyond founding Skinners' Academy, the Company supports several other educational institutions, including The Skinners’ School in Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Skinners’ Kent Academy and the Marsh Academy, reflecting its enduring commitment to nurturing young minds.

Through centuries of change, the Skinners' Company has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the community, adapting its focus to meet contemporary needs while honouring its rich heritage.

The Skinners’ Academies Trust

Presently, Skinners’ Academy is part of the Skinners’ Academies Trust, a collaborative Trust of five diverse and high-performing schools in Kent and London. Together we educate a total of 4,500 students across primary and secondary phases and both comprehensive and selective schools.

Our new Trust builds on our shared values and history, and preserves the autonomy and traditions of our school, while enabling and promoting deeper practical collaboration to the benefit of all our young people.

Skinners Academies Trust