Ark Boulton Academy
Golden Hillock Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 2QGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Ark Boulton Academy is a secondary school in Birmingham for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 501 schools in Birmingham. It ranks 43rd of 87 secondary schools in Birmingham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 25 June 2024, report published 15 July 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 25 June 2024
Ark Boulton Academy staff and pupils share the same high aspirations. Pupils understand and follow the values of 'respect, curiosity and perseverance'. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Community and togetherness are at the heart of this welcoming school. Pupils are happy in school. The majority of pupils work hard and show a determination to achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. During lessons and unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtimes, most pupils behave sensibly. Where pupils' behaviour is not acceptable, staff speak quickly and efficiently with these pupils to explain the school's high expectations. Pupils are safe. They know who to talk to about any concerns they may have. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. Pupils can clearly explain their understanding of fundamental British values such as democracy. Pupil leadership opportunities include being elected to the school council. These opportunities help pupils understand how to be responsible. The extra-curricular programme is rich and diverse. Pupils regularly take part in activities such as the 'world ensemble', 'talk sport' and first aid. These opportunities enhance the curriculum well.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not always check that all pupils understand and remember what they have learned. This means that staff do not always fully know whether pupils have secured the necessary knowledge and skills they need. The school should ensure that all teachers consistently check pupils' understanding in the key knowledge they need.
- Some teachers do not always adapt their teaching to ensure that all pupils are supported or moved on in their learning in some subjects. This means that pupils do not always have the opportunity to address gaps or deepen their knowledge and key skills in these subjects. The school should ensure that all teachers consistently adapt their teaching to enable all pupils to develop the relevant knowledge and key skills.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
163 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
877 pupils on roll, with places for 900
Schools near Ark Boulton Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamia Islamia Birmingham | 0.2 miles | Report card: Urgent improvement to needs attention | Attainment 8: 32.0 |
| Ark Victoria Academy | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 48.4 |
| Holy Trinity Catholic School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.0 |
| Darul Uloom Islamic High School | 0.8 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 41.5 |
| Yardleys School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.7 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ARK SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Laurence Cole
- Phone
- 01217738156
- Address
- Golden Hillock Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 2QG
- Local authority
- Birmingham
- URN
- 140014
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.