Ark Soane Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a school where pupils excel. Pupils and staff are proud to be a part of this school community.

Parents and carers are highly supportive of the school. They share into the school's culture and ethos. Pupils embrace the school's motto to 'Work Hard.

Be Kind. Aim High'. Pupils feel safe, are motivated to learn, and attend well.

The school is aspirational for the community it serves. The curriculum is carefully designed to maximise future opportunities. The subject content that pupils learn is planned in detail and expertly taught.

The school is ambitious for all pupils. Leaders think carefully about supporting disadvantaged pupils. As a result, ...pupils are fully engaged in their learning and achieve highly.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They are polite, welcoming, and work hard in lessons. Pupils interact respectfully with adults and conduct themselves with maturity.

This is because the school sets high expectations which are well understood. Staff promote positive attitudes to learning. Pupils thrive because working relationships are nurtured in a caring environment.

Pupils enjoy many clubs and outings. The school prioritises pupils' wider development through carefully planned 'exploration days'. Pupils value these experiences and enjoy being active members of their school community.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school is highly ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum is broad, rigorously planned and captures the knowledge and skills pupils must learn. Careful sequencing and appropriate challenge ensure that pupils learn progressively over time.

The school has developed an extensive range of high-quality resources that strengthens the quality of curriculum delivery. As a result, pupils achieve exceptionally well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Pupils learn carefully sequenced subject content that consolidates and builds on prior learning.

For example, in history pupils explore the expansion and collapse of medieval African empires in Year 7. They look closely at the causes of the First World War through the lens of empire building in Year 9. In English, pupils develop knowledge of literature deeply.

For instance, they explore corruption and flawed characterisation through 'Oliver Twist' in Year 7. In Years 8 and 9, pupils go on to study Sherlock Holmes and 'Othello'. These very strong foundations prepare pupils well for their next stage of learning.

The curriculum is expertly taught by highly skilled teachers, who have strong subject knowledge. All staff benefit from regular, high-quality training within school and through the trust network. Teachers consistently use a range of assessment techniques.

This ensures that learning is adapted appropriately and committed to pupils' long-term memory. Any misconceptions and gaps in knowledge are quickly addressed.

The school is uncompromising in the high standards they expect of pupils.

Teachers apply rigorous routines consistently that help to create an exceptionally supportive learning environment, free from any disruption. Pupils are very positive about how their teachers challenge them to work hard and aim high. These shared values ensure that pupils are fully focused in lessons.

Staff enable pupils to produce work to a very high standard. This rigorous and consistent approach secures excellent progress across the curriculum, including for pupils with SEND. The school identifies any gaps in pupils' attendance closely.

Staff make sure that pupils attend regularly.

The school prioritises pupils' ability to read fluently. Pupils at the early stages of reading are provided with extensive expert support.

This helps pupils to become confident readers. Staff make sure that all pupils are equipped to learn the same academically challenging curriculum. The school prioritises oracy and language development.

The use of rich texts across the curriculum promotes both intellectual curiosity and reading for pleasure. Pupils with SEND access specialist support so that they too aspire and achieve highly, in line with their peers.

Pupils participate well with the wider opportunities the school provides for personal growth and development.

Pupils speak confidently about life in modern Britain, showing an awareness of, and appreciation for, diversity and inclusion. They value the 'exploration days' provided, with trips to iconic landmarks and places of historical interest. The school ensures that pupils learn how to be safe and healthy, both physically and mentally.

Pupils enjoy 'Family Dining', a daily opportunity for all pupils to refine their social and public speaking skills. Clubs are well attended, catering for a broad spectrum of talents and interests. These include 3D sculpture, singing and chess club.

The school is well led by highly skilled and resilient leaders. Governors provide appropriate levels of support and challenge. They are equally committed to delivering an ambitious education for this community.

The trust provides sophisticated and expertly informed support, which helps the school to deliver high-quality education. Staff feel very well supported and are proud to be an integral part of Ark Soane.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.