Mental health professionals told the review the school’s culture could intensify anxiety and other conditions.
Some young people reported long-term effects, including a loss of confidence and distress linked to school experiences.
Sir Alan, a former director for children and young people’s services at Hackney Council, said the findings revealed a “paradox” of “success, but not for all”, noting that while many children thrived at MVPA, others experienced significant harm.
He called for major changes to governance, leadership culture, behaviour practice, Send support and complaint handling.
“Academic excellence that traumatises some pupils is not true excellence,” Sir Alan wrote.
“Discipline through fear is not preparing young people for life as confident, independent adults.”
