Peacock Gym Academy Testimonials, East London

What People Have Said About the Academy

Over the years, leaders, educators, researchers and members have shared their thoughts on the Peacock Gym Academy. Here are some of their words.

Public Figures and Local Authorities

“The Peacock Gym’s Academy’s is a creative and unique programme that inspires young people to reengage with education, pursue their ambitions and become role models in their community. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest good wishes to all connected with the Peacock Gym.”Boris Johnson, then Mayor of London

“I was extremely impressed with the organisation and the range of pathways on offer… I observed a lesson in Hair & Beauty, and I was particularly impressed with the enthusiasm and focus of the students and the quality of the teaching. The Peacock Gym Academy is the most impressive outside provider in Newham and beyond I have seen.”Sam Robinson, Advisory Teacher for The London Borough of Newham 14-19 Team

“Having the Peacock Gym Academy on board with the Borough’s Area Wide Programme, has helped in opening the offer out to even more young people. The Academy has proved to be a huge success in a very short space of time and has doubled in its capacity in the last two years… I look forward to seeing what the future holds for such a committed and enthusiastic team.”Sharon Grainger, 14-19 Foundation Learning Lead, London Borough of Newham

“Thank you again for a very informative and enjoyable tour of the Peacock Gym last week. The work which you are doing with the young people on the Academy Programme is very encouraging. Please pass on my thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Academy…”Pauline Daniyan, Senior Manager – Youth, Volunteering and Academies, Greater London Authority

Research and Youth Organisations

“This study, at Peacock Academy, strongly indicated that a participative approach to management is working and is indeed sustainable, effective and successful… Effectively the academy is driven by the aspirations of the students whilst the tutors and teachers, still maintaining the overall vision, attempt to incorporate the desires of the pupils… if you allow the students to drive the programme, retaining the original vision, the results are very impressive.”Margaret Boateng, researcher from University of East London

“Danny Steadman and Joe Fitzsimons applied for Starbucks Youth Action in 2012. They demonstrated amazing potential at the training day and were successful in being shortlisted down to one of only 20 projects out of 120 invited back to pitch their idea… they were awarded bursaries to fund their training.”Liz Ablett, Senior Policy and Projects Coordinator for UK Youth

From a Peacock Gym Member

“As a long standing member, I have seen how the club has reached out over the years into the local community with its ethos of education through sport… You can tell almost immediately that the Academy is a community education initiative that changes behaviour in a very positive way… Placing an education programme in an adult community, such as the Peacock, gives young people role models to aspire to…”John Ringwood, Peacock Gym member

See the results behind these words on our Peacock Outcomes page, read press coverage or meet the partners who have supported us.