At LAE, we believe that academic potential should open doors.

We are an academy school, with core funding from the Department for Education. This funding is essential to the running of the school, but it does not cover the full breadth of education and opportunities we want to provide for our students. Philanthropic support enables us to go beyond what public funding alone can provide.

Why LAE matters

LAE exists to give academically ambitious young people from across East London the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Our students are exceptionally talented, and our academic outcomes reflect that: in 2026, 95% of A-level grades were awarded at A*–B, with more than two-thirds at A*–A, and our students progressed to some of the country's leading universities and degree-level apprenticeships.

At the same time, LAE has a clear social-mobility mission. Around half of our students are eligible for Free School Meals, and many come from communities in Newham, Tower Hamlets and neighbouring boroughs where access to high-quality post-16 education has historically been limited. Our ambition is not simply to help students achieve excellent results, but to ensure that their academic ability is matched by access to the experiences, networks and opportunities that can shape what they go on to achieve.

Why does philanthropy matter?

Government funding provides the essential foundation for the school, but it does not cover everything we believe our students need to thrive.

Philanthropic support enables us to build on that foundation: expanding opportunities beyond the classroom, strengthening careers and mentoring provision, supporting students' wellbeing and development, investing in facilities and creating opportunities for students to meet people and experience environments that can broaden their horizons.

This support enriches the education available to every student at LAE.

Would you like to support LAE?

There are many ways to support our students.

You might choose to make a financial contribution, introduce us to a business or organisation that could work with LAE, offer your professional expertise or networks, or help us create opportunities for our students. If you would like to learn more about how you could support our students, please get in touch with Han O'Gorman, Head of Partnerships and Fundraising, at han.ogorman@lae.ac.uk