Ark Conway Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

All pupils make rapid progress and achieve highly, particularly in learning to read and write, and in their understanding and application of mathematics. High quality teaching inspires and motivates all pupils to try their very best. Teachers set high expectations for learning and behaviour and pupils respond extremely well so that their all-round achievement is outstanding.

Pupils supported by the pupil premium, disabled pupils and those identified with special educational needs make accelerated progress because of the well-targeted support they receive. Pupils enjoy a wealth of high-quality learning experiences that include opp...ortunities to excel in art and music. Well-trained teaching assistants work closely with class teachers to provide pupils with very effective personalised and small group support.

The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is highly effective and central to the school's core values. The headteacher provides strong and inspirational leadership. He enjoys the full confidence of staff, governors, parents and carers.

School leaders are extremely well supported by ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) Schools. Parents hold the school in high regard. 'We felt like we'd won the lottery when our child gained a place here' was a comment typical of the enthusiasm encountered by the inspector.

Information about this school

This primary school was opened as a new, free school academy in September 2011. It is part of a wider partnership of schools supported by ARK Schools. Currently there are two classes that provide education for pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1.

The school is due to grow year on year for the next five years until it reaches its capacity as an average size primary school catering for 210 pupils. Currently the majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for pupils in local authority care, those known to be eligible for free school meals and those with a parent in the armed services, is broadly average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported by school action is broadly average. The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus (those who require extra help with their learning) is below average. There are no pupils with statements of special educational needs.