Michaela's results are among the best in the country. More than half (54%) of all grades placed at level 7 or above (equivalent to the old A and A*), which was more than double the national average of 22%. Nearly one in five students (18%) across all grades placed at level 9, compared to 4.5% overall, and in mathematics, one in four students placed at level 9.

Located in Wembley, London, Michaela is an old-school free school, where discipline, memory and high expectations for its students are the keys to learning. Its students from humble backgrounds achieve extraordinary grades.

With an approach reminiscent of more traditional educational methods, students move in line and quietly, and are recognized for good behavior and academic achievement. Founder Katharine Birbalsingh argues that the education system fails the poorest by not demanding enough of them, which led her to open this center in 2014. Despite criticism from some progressive educators about her vigilant approach, students say they feel part of a close-knit and supported community. The Michaela has earned high ratings from the Office for Government Inspection of Schools (Ofsted), suggesting that her approach is working.

The Guardian article goes on to explore life at Michaela, a school that seeks to raise the expectations of its students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the canteen, students recite poems and engage in discussions on topics such as the use of technology, although they also enjoy lighter chats about soccer.

In the classrooms, the students demonstrate a good command of vocabulary and literary concepts, as seen in their study of Shakespeare. The environment is decorated with artwork and emphasizes the importance of memorization and discipline, reflected in the acronym SLANT, which promotes good classroom behavior.

The faculty is highly qualified, with many teachers coming from prestigious universities. Although some students mention that adapting to Michaela's strict standards was a challenge, the message from the educational team is clear: learning may be difficult, but it is rewarding. In addition, the school has managed to attract the attention of other educators, organizing a festival to share its pedagogical approach, which combines traditional methods with a clever use of technology.