Ark Academy in Wembley, North West London, has been rated ‘exceptional’ for personal development and well-being, and ‘strong standard’ in other areas including achievement, attendance and inclusion by Ofsted.
The school – which offers an all-through education for local children aged 3-18 – was reviewed under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which aims to give educators and families a more detailed picture of how schools are performing.
Reflecting on what it is like to be a pupil at Ark Academy, inspectors said that “pupils of all ages love coming to school” and show “great passion, enthusiasm and commitment to their learning”.
Ark Academy was rated ‘exceptional’ for personal development and well-being. Inspectors praised the “exemplary” focus on civic duty, saying the school’s Civitas programme has a
“transformational impact on how the pupils view their role in society and the positive impact they can have in their community”.
Six further assessment areas were judged to be of a ‘strong standard’, the second highest rating in the new grading system:
- Achievement: Pupils “achieve very highly across all phases in the school”. They achieve “above national averages across subjects at primary, secondary and post-16 phases”, and “produce work of a very high quality”.
- Attendance and behaviour: The school has “effective” strategies in place to promote attendance which has been “extremely high for several years”. Pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around school is “highly positive” and they show “a commitment to contributing to a positive school environment”.
- Curriculum and teaching: The school has developed “an ambitious and broad curriculum” which is “designed carefully to build pupils’ knowledge over time in all subjects and phases”.
- Inclusion: The school “swiftly identifies any pupils who have potential barriers to their learning”, and leaders equip staff with “the expertise needed to deliver high-quality support and adaptations, ensuring pupils can fully access the curriculum”.
- Leadership and governance: Leaders are “deeply committed to ensuring that pupils leave the school progressing to the very best destinations with the skills to contribute positively to society”. They are “relentless in ensuring that every pupil accesses a broad range of high-quality wider opportunities”.
- Post-16 provision: Students in the sixth form “attain above national averages in both A-Level and vocational qualifications”. Students receive “extremely comprehensive careers advice and guidance” and have “regular trips, workshops and external speakers to ensure that they make informed and aspirational choices for their future further education, employment and training”.
The report also noted that children in the school’s early years provision make “a very positive start in their learning to read and write” and that “pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities all thrive”.
Ark Academy Executive Principal Delia Smith said,
“We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the dedication and hard work of our staff, pupils, and families.
“Our mission is to ensure that all our pupils develop as high achieving, confident, articulate young people whose education fully equips them to become active and contributing members of society through our Civitas programme, and to go on to university or the career of their choice. This report confirms that we are delivering on that promise.
“Ark is a great example of what can be achieved through high expectations and teamwork. We are very proud of the school we have built here and the opportunities it offers every single one of our students.”
