Ark St Alban's Academy in Birmingham has undergone a recent inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on May 14 and 15, 2024, and highlighted several strengths of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, all rated as good. The principal, Guy Rimmer, leads the school, which is part of the Ark Schools multi-academy trust, overseen by CEO Lucy Heller and a board of trustees chaired by Tina Alexandrou.
The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. Many pupils and staff express pride in their school, appreciating its respect for the diversity of the community. Students are motivated to achieve high standards and successfully transition to the next stages of their education. The sixth form is particularly noted for its students' personal motivation and achievement levels.
Pupils are aware of the high expectations regarding behavior, and most meet these standards. The school's homeroom model allows students to spend most of their lessons in the same room, contributing to a calm and orderly environment. The curriculum has been broadened and is ambitious, with a rising number of pupils pursuing the English Baccalaureate qualifications. The curriculum is well-structured, enabling students to build their knowledge progressively from Year 7 to Year 13, resulting in strong outcomes that often exceed national averages.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and are supported through trust networks to enhance their teaching practices. They provide clear explanations and frequent opportunities for independent practice. However, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to engage in detailed discussions about their learning to deepen their understanding. While assessment practices are strong at the end of units, there is inconsistency in checking understanding during lessons, which can lead to misconceptions going unnoticed.
The school has improved its support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they achieve academically and personally. Their needs are identified and communicated effectively to staff, who adapt learning accordingly. Reading is prioritized, with assessments conducted to identify pupils who require additional support, leading to significant progress for many.
Pupils receive high-quality guidance regarding careers and future options, learning essential study and organizational skills. The character curriculum and collective worship foster a sense of community and understanding of societal contributions. However, some pupils still use disrespectful language, detracting from the overall positive atmosphere.
Attendance is high, reflecting the care and support provided by staff. The school actively works to improve attendance among persistently absent pupils. The trust's support has strengthened various areas of the school, providing opportunities for competition in sports and professional development for staff.
The inspection concluded that while the school is effective, there are areas for improvement. Specifically, the school should enhance opportunities for meaningful discussions in lessons to support pupils' oracy skills and ensure consistent practices in checking understanding during learning. Addressing the use of disrespectful language among a small group of pupils is also necessary to maintain a warm and inclusive environment. Overall, Ark St Alban's Academy demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the success of its students.
