Ark Alexandra Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils’ wide range of needs are met extremely well by this highly inclusive school. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or with other barriers to their learning are at the very heart of the school’s work. All pupils are expected to aim high, to achieve well and to take great pride in all that they do. Lessons are designed and delivered in ways that make sure that pupils engage positively and learn in an industrious atmosphere. The rapid rise in the quality of pupils’ work since the last inspection, combined with the excellent support that they receive, means that they are very well prepared for their next steps when they leave the school. As a result, the majority of pupils enjoy school, attend regularly and thrive. The school’s Christian ethos and its central values of ‘faith, kindness and excellence’ make a real difference to pupils’ experiences at school. They regularly reflect spiritually, developing insights into their own beliefs and those of others. This supports a culture within which pupils respect each other and the staff that they work with. Pupils care about each other’s feelings and emotions. They do not tolerate unkind behaviour. Any bullying that occurs is dealt with effectively by staff, which means that pupils rightly feel safe at school. The majority of pupils are very confident about raising any worries or concerns that they might have with staff who know them well. Pupils strive for excellence beyond their academic learning. Activities such as being part of the Combined Cadet Force, participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or taking on other leadership roles make a highly positive contribution to pupils’ character development. The wide range of stimulating enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities, including in the sports and the arts, is open to all pupils. This means that participation rates are strong, including for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. Importantly, pupils recognise each other’s achievements and are keen to celebrate them.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their highly effective work to make substantial improvements to key aspects of the school, such as pupils’ achievement, so that these significant successes are sustained over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)