How to outperform the world’s elite schools

What does it take for schools to achieve elite outcomes while serving disadvantaged communities?In this episode of the #EdVance Podcast, Alex Crossman, Executive Head Teacher, London Academy of Excellence, discusses how belief, culture and clarity shape high performance.Alex shares lessons from leading one of England’s highest-performing schools, explaining why clarity of purpose matters, how leaders balance ambition with care, and what schools often misunderstand about pressure and excellence.He also reflects on what enables young people to thrive at the highest levels, why belief and agency matter as much as attainment, and how schools balance rigour with wellbeing, character and fairness.