Ark Academy

About Ark Academy

Ark Academy is a mixed, non-selective, non-denominational all-through academy for 3 to 18-year-olds in Wembley, London. It opened its primary school in September 2008 and its secondary school in September 2010. Ark Academy is recently rated as one of the top 100 non-selective state schools in England.

The school motto - ‘Civitas' - is at our core and will be seen everywhere around the school. We pride ourselves for being first and foremost citizens and this is what binds us together. The academy believes in high aspirations, high motivation and high achievement for all. We want our students to grow into rounded, confident, ambitious young people who aspire to high achievement and will make a mark on the world, and our staff to be striving to constantly deliver the best possible education and experience to all our pupils. Hence, we hold staff development of the utmost importance. In order to deliver the best training and network events, we offer twice as many training days as standard.

Ark Academy has at its core the pursuit of highest standards possible in education. We believe in high aspirations, high motivation and high achievement for all. Through our extended curriculum and community life we seek to meet the needs of the whole person. Civitas - citizenship - is at our core. We will build a community of civic pride and social justice in which all members are equally valued. We are committed to the service of young people and help them play their full part in society.

In light of this we aim to:

• Provide every student with the knowledge, skills, self belief and motivation to be successful in their learning and lives
• Welcome, value and respect all who come to the school
• Build a community based on justice and a sense of personal responsibility
• Provide opportunities for all to experience Civitas whilst developing a spirit of tolerance and understanding for all cultures, traditions and faiths
• Promote dialogue and co-operation with the wider community

The DNA of Ark Academy

The DNA of Ark Academy is based on the six pillars of Ark Schools and developed into our own unique feel generated by a genuine buy in for our core values. Our values are also underpinned by our habits and ‘the way we do things around here’. We believe that in Ark Academy the following principles are tangible and central to achieving our mission from Reception through to Year 13:

1. High expectations

2. Excellent teaching

3. Knowing every child

4. Depth for breadth

5. Exemplary behaviour

6. Always learning

Curriculum

Our curriculum model is based on the values as outlined in the Ark Academy DNA. Depth for breadth confirms our emphasis on firm foundations in English, mathematics and science which are supported by a broad range of subjects throughout KS3 and a balanced option process in KS4.

With 30 periods per week of formal classes (55minutes per lesson) we are able to provide every student with a rich and varied curriculum, supplemented by an extended curriculum including both enrichment sessions and study support..

Ofsted

In their first full inspection of Ark Academy, Ofsted inspectors have rated the academy as an outstanding school with outstanding capacity for sustained further improvement. Ofsted’s main conclusion was that:

“The new school has quickly established high expectations and secured impressive progress in the short period since opening. Pupils make outstanding progress in their studies. They greatly enjoy coming to school and attendance is high. Pupils behave well and they respond enthusiastically to the growing team of dedicated staff. Relationships between adults and pupils are very positive and help to promote above average attainment.”

Read more about Ofsted's observations or see the the full report.