Ark John Keats Academy has received a good rating across all areas from Ofsted.
Inspectors described our school as "inclusive, where pupils treat each other with respect and kindness."
They praised leaders who “have designed an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum” complimented by a rich extra-curricular offering that helps to create well-rounded young people.
During the two-day inspection on 24 and 25 January, inspectors said, “In the early years, leaders have created a rich and stimulating environment. This helps children's physical and social development. Teachers also prioritise the development of children's language and communication.”
They also highlighted the school's focus on reading, citing that “…leaders know how important reading is to pupils' educational success. They have ensured that teachers integrate reading into pupils' day-to-day learning.”
The report affirmed the importance that the leadership team and governors place on academic success at every stage:
- Students leave the primary phase, achieving around 10 percent above the national average.
- At GCSE, students make progress that puts the school in the top seven percent of the country, showing that success continues through the secondary phase.
- Around a third of students progressed to Russell Group Universities in 2021 and 2022, with many more attending other excellent universities.
Katie Marshall, Secondary Headteacher, said: “Being rated as a good school is a fantastic achievement. In the context of the last few years, with a global pandemic, leadership changes at our school, and all the additional pressures our school has been under, we can be very proud of this report.”
Emma Penzer, Primary Headteacher, said: “This reflects the hard work, high standards, and resilience of our excellent students and staff, as well as the support we enjoy from parents and governors. We were happy with the inspection and believe they understood the school's journey since the previous inspection and the positive trajectory we are currently on.”
School Governor, Fatos Rane said: “For an academy to grow from just a handful of pupils to over 1700 and to stand strong throughout difficult times, such as the Covid pandemic, is a great achievement. Our school community is diverse and multicultural, and we work together with kindness and generosity, even in challenging times. I believe that so much more is possible with the great staff and the community that surrounds our school."
You can read the full report here: 
AJK OFSTED Report 2023.pdf