Ark Brunel Primary Academy, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection on May 22 and 23, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Sean Scott, leads the school, which is part of The Ark Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Lucy Heller and a board of trustees chaired by Tina Alexandrou. The school has a history of high performance, having been rated outstanding in its last inspection eight years ago.
The school is ambitious for its pupils, aiming for high achievement across all subjects. In 2023, key stage two pupils performed above the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics, while key stage one pupils also excelled in mathematics. The curriculum is continually reviewed and improved to ensure that it meets the needs of all pupils. The school emphasizes the importance of its core values, known as the Heart Values, which promote diversity and respect for differences among students. This is further supported by the Rights Respecting School Award, which helps pupils understand equality and fairness.
Despite recent challenges, including a decline in pupil numbers and staffing changes, the school has maintained a positive environment where most pupils behave well. Leaders have effectively managed these transitions with support from the trust. The school is committed to fostering a culture of positive relationships and is actively working to enhance this aspect.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a clear structure that builds knowledge logically across subjects. Teachers have received training to improve their subject knowledge, enabling them to deliver the curriculum effectively. Pupils are given ample opportunities to practice new skills, particularly in science and mathematics. The school recognizes the need for further development in some subjects to enhance pupils' recall of essential content and to refine how this information is used to inform teaching.
Reading is a priority at Ark Brunel, with phonics instruction beginning in the Reception class. A consistent and effective approach to teaching reading is employed, ensuring that pupils read books that match their phonetic knowledge. This method allows all pupils, including those at the earliest stages of learning to read, to acquire the necessary skills to tackle more challenging texts.
The school supports a significant number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. This includes specialized support for pupils with complex communication needs. The school is currently enhancing its provision for these pupils by employing specialist support.
Personal development is a key focus, with a rich array of opportunities for pupils to learn about the wider world and diversity. Activities such as visits to museums and guest speakers enrich the curriculum. The school has also revamped its approach to behaviour management, establishing clear expectations for staff and pupils. While most pupils behave well, some disruptions occur, and the school is working to ensure that all staff feel supported in managing challenging behaviours.
Attendance has become a priority, with the school implementing new systems to monitor and improve attendance rates. While most pupils attend regularly, a small number remain persistently absent, which the school continues to address.
Governors and trustees possess a strong understanding of the school’s performance and priorities. However, recent changes to systems and procedures are not yet fully embedded, which affects consistency in implementation across the school. The school is focused on ensuring that its vision is realized through shared values and practices.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ark Brunel are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is actively working on embedding recent changes to enhance the educational experience for all students. Overall, Ark Brunel Primary Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
