Ark Blacklands Primary Academy

Ark Blacklands Primary Academy joined the Ark network in 2014, we are a 3 form entry school, increasing to 90 pupils in each year group, ranging from Early Years and Foundation Stage through to Year 6.  

Our vision for our pupils is that every child who attends our school will be academically and socially equipped for success at secondary school and, beyond that, in a career of their choice or university. At Ark Blacklands Primary Academy we have high expectations for all our pupils. We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure each of our pupils succeeds. To achieve their ambitious goals, our pupils and staff work hard and have high aspirations.

Our staff make a tremendous effort to get to know each pupil and provide the very best care they can for them. The school has put staff development at the heart of its school improvement, ensuring that all staff have the support, training and opportunities they need to develop. We work closely with our Ark colleagues at Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy to share best practice and strive for academic excellence together. We offer our staff at Ark Blacklands twice as many training days as standard and teachers are actively encouraged to participate in training programmes to further their career.

As a school, our focus is always on the best possible outcomes for our young people. That is why we are constantly reviewing our practices to ensure that teachers can concentrate on teaching and students on learning. This includes a rigorous behaviour policy.  

Curriculum 

A strong command of English and maths is vital for success across the whole curriculum. We prioritise these subjects and dedicate extra time to them so that pupils are confident and have the strong foundations they need to succeed. 

Ofsted

We were graded "outstanding" in all areas by Ofsted in 2016. Read more about Ofsted's observations or see the the full report.  

The Ark network 

Ark Blacklands Primary Academy is part of Ark, an international charity transforming lives through education. Ark has 38 schools across the UK in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. Ark exists to give every young person, regardless of their background, a great education and real choices in life. Ark schools are all non-selective and in areas where they can make the biggest difference.  

Read more about Ark: http://arkonline.org/