From a child’s first days in Nursery to the moment they receive their A-level results, ATAM Academy offers an educational journey shaped by high expectations, strong values and a belief in every pupil’s potential.
The all-through academy in Little Heath, Romford, welcomes pupils of all faiths and backgrounds from the age of three to 18, combining academic excellence with a strong Sikh ethos, dedicated pastoral support and a commitment to developing well-rounded young people.
Following a landmark year for the academy, including its first year of A-level results, principal Chris Steed discusses ATAM Academy's recent successes, what makes the school so distinctive and his ambitions for the future.
GCSE and A-level results have recently been released. How did the academy perform, and are there any success stories you would like to share?
"Our results overall were outstanding. As an all-through school, we have outcomes in EYFS, phonics, the Multiplication Tables Check, Key Stage 2 SATs, GCSEs and, for the first time, A-levels. This year has proven the immense value of our all-through educational community, demonstrating the continuity, progression and opportunities it provides for young people at every stage of their education.
"Across the primary phase, our pupils performed exceptionally strongly, with outcomes in areas including phonics, multiplication, reading, writing and science all exceeding national benchmarks. We also saw a truly exceptional set of GCSE results, reflecting years of dedication, hard work and resilience.
"What made this year particularly special, however, was our first cohort of A-level students completing their studies. This historic milestone for the academy saw students excel across a range of subjects, particularly English Literature, Sociology, Psychology and History, unlocking top-tier university and career pathways.
"We are absolutely thrilled with what they have achieved and wish them every success in their next chapters, whether in higher education, apprenticeships or the world of work."
While the academy is proud of every single student, several standout performances highlight the exceptional academic achievements of this year's cohorts:
A-levels
Ria achieved A*ABC grades, Kiranpreet achieved BBBC, Harkirat secured BBB and Karena celebrated BBC grades.
GCSEs
Yuvaan achieved four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and one Grade 6, while Devika secured four Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and one Grade 6. Khusheveer also achieved an impressive three Grade 9s and four Grade 8s.
"Overall, our pupils have worked extremely hard, and these results are a testament to their grit, the unwavering support of their families and the tireless dedication of our teaching staff. We could not be prouder of what they have achieved."
What are the key values and ethos of ATAM Academy?
"ATAM Academy was established to embody Sikh principles within its teaching, providing pupils with a moral grounding, self-confidence and a commitment to success that will see them excel personally and professionally, while having a positive impact as society's next generation of leaders.
"It is important to us, as an academy, to have clear aims. We have spent time defining what will make us unique, how we will achieve this and what behaviours we expect of everyone.
"Our mission is to be the leading state-funded, Sikh-ethos all-through academy in East London. We utilise strategic partnerships and contemporary teaching methods while setting high expectations of our pupils and ourselves to ensure young people in our community always have access to an education that offers the best possible outcomes.
"To achieve that vision, we have established a set of behaviours and characteristics that define how everyone within our community pledges to act. These are values we strive to demonstrate and personify every day."
What sets ATAM Academy apart from other schools in the area?
"ATAM Academy distinguishes itself through its unique status as an all-through Sikh faith free school. Pupils can join us at the age of three and remain with us until they are 18, benefiting from continuity throughout their educational journey.
"What truly separates us is our strength across both the primary and secondary phases. In primary, 81% of pupils met the expected standard at Key Stage 2, significantly outperforming local authority averages. At secondary level, our Attainment 8 score of 57.0 positions us as a top-performing school both locally and nationally.
"We are also proud of the way we integrate Sikh values into academy life. While we are open to pupils of all faiths and backgrounds, we combine high academic expectations with the universal values of Sikhism. That approach helped secure an Outstanding Section 48 Faith Inspection outcome in 2025 and underpins the culture we have built throughout the academy."
How do you prepare pupils for the future while supporting wellbeing and character development?
"Preparation for the future is embedded at every transition point in our all-through school. We provide comprehensive careers guidance and ensure pupils receive structured exposure to both academic pathways and technical apprenticeships, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
"With the continued development of Khalsa VI Redbridge, our Sixth Form provision, we are creating pathways into top-tier universities and competitive future careers. Our curriculum is designed so pupils accumulate deep, retrievable knowledge from an early age, preparing them for future success both academically and professionally.
"At the same time, we see wellbeing and character development as foundational prerequisites for learning rather than additions to it. From the Early Years onwards, clear routines and high expectations help create an orderly, safe and respectful environment across every key stage.
"Our values-led pastoral care draws on Sikh teachings and helps pupils navigate their emotions and interactions with others. It supports them socially, morally and emotionally, while developing confidence, resilience and a sense of responsibility. Ultimately, we want every young person to leave us not only with strong qualifications, but also with the character and life skills they need to thrive."
What opportunities are available beyond the classroom?
"We believe education extends far beyond lessons. We offer more than 20 extracurricular activities every day after school, alongside a breakfast club from 7.15am and after-school provision until 6.30pm.
"Pupils can take part in sport, physical education, creative arts, Punjabi language learning and Sikh studies. These opportunities are designed not only to broaden horizons, but also to strengthen connections between the school and the wider community.
"We are also proud of the leadership opportunities available to students. Pupils can become Faith Ambassadors or school councillors, taking on meaningful responsibilities within academy life. Faith Ambassadors regularly lead peer assemblies, teach religious elements to younger year groups and help deliver community cohesion initiatives."
Has the academy received any notable recognition, and what are your priorities for the future?
"We are proud that the academy achieved an Outstanding rating in all assessed areas of its Section 48 inspection in June 2025, receiving the highest tier of validation for its denominational education. This followed our Good Ofsted judgement in June 2024, when the academy secured a Good rating across all categories.
"These achievements are important because they independently reflect the quality of education, care and opportunities available to our pupils, as well as the strength of our values-driven approach.
"However, we are not standing still. Our priorities remain focused on continuing to provide care and growth for every child while enabling them to surpass their potential. We also want to create more Sikh faith opportunities that allow pupils to enrich their understanding, continue embedding our Sixth Form provision and share our successes more widely within the education sector to support school-to-school improvement.
"ATAM Academy continues to foster an environment of high aspirations, strong community values and academic rigour, ensuring every child can thrive at every stage of their educational journey."
What first inspired you to go into education?
"I was inspired by my own primary and secondary school experiences, as well as my love of languages and French culture. I began teaching as a Languages teacher in North Yorkshire in 1998, became a deputy headteacher in 2006 and was appointed principal in 2014.
"Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep passion for ensuring every child receives the highest-quality provision. Education should support children’s personal growth and development, enabling them to have the best life choices available.
"That belief continues to guide everything we do at ATAM Academy today."
With outstanding results across its primary and secondary phases, a successful first A-level cohort, strong pastoral support and a distinctive all-through approach rooted in Sikh values, ATAM Academy continues to provide pupils with the knowledge, character and confidence to thrive.
Families interested in learning more about the academy, its ethos and the opportunities available are encouraged to visit the school, attend an open event or explore admissions information on the academy’s website.
ATAM Academy
ATAM Academy, Little Heath, Romford, Chadwell Heath RM6 4XX
Tel: 02082 529831
Email: info@atamacademy.com
Web: atamacademy.com
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