Ark Charter Academy, located in Southsea, Hampshire, underwent an inspection on July 5 and 6, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school, which serves students aged 11 to 16, offers a broad curriculum with a variety of options for key stage four students. The personal, social, and health education program is well-structured, promoting personal development and knowledge of Christian values. The careers program aims to raise aspirations and highlight the benefits of further education.
Pupils generally report feeling happy and safe at school, although concerns about the use of discriminatory language and the effectiveness of bullying interventions were noted. While the school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports competitions and clubs, some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, may not achieve as well due to attendance issues. The principal is positively impacting school improvement, and leaders maintain high expectations for behavior, although some pupils struggle to meet these standards.
The curriculum has seen significant enhancements, with subject leaders aligning their plans with the national curriculum and ensuring progressive content. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which aids in curriculum delivery. However, assessment practices vary, leading to inconsistencies in how pupils understand their learning and areas for improvement. The PSHE program, while well-planned, lacks effective implementation, resulting in missed opportunities for deepening pupils' understanding of respect and tolerance.
Pupils' attitudes towards learning are inconsistent, with engagement levels varying across subjects. In some areas, such as art and history, students are enthusiastic, while in others, like languages, engagement is low, leading to disruptions in learning. Attendance rates are generally in line with other schools, but persistent absence is a concern. The school is actively working to address this issue and collaborates with external agencies to support improvement.
Staff express positive views about the leadership and acknowledge improvements within the school. They feel their workload is manageable and that their professional needs are considered, although training does not always align with school priorities. The trust collaborates with school leaders to provide training and support, and governance is effective in holding leaders accountable.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong emphasis on the welfare and safety of pupils. Staff receive regular training and updates on safeguarding procedures, ensuring they can identify risks and respond appropriately. The school maintains strong links with local authorities and external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
To improve, the school must ensure consistent implementation of the curriculum and assessment practices, enabling pupils to build on prior learning and deepen their knowledge. The behavior policy needs to be uniformly understood and enforced to minimize disruptions. Additionally, the PSHE curriculum should be enhanced to promote respect and tolerance, empowering pupils to stand against discrimination and bullying. Overall, while there are positive aspects of the school, significant work remains to achieve the desired standards of excellence.
