News15th July 2025

Ark primaries celebrate strong set of SATS results 

Year 6 pupils from across the Ark network are celebrating strong outcomes in this year’s Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests (SATS).

Ark Curriculum Plus

78 percent of our Year 6 children achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined – 16 percentage points higher than the national average of 62 percent. 12 percent of Ark pupils achieved greater depth, four percentage points higher than average. 

Children eligible for pupil premium did particularly well: 71 percent will be leaving an Ark primary school having met the expected standard in maths and English, compared to just 45 percent nationally last year. 

In addition, 42 percent of Ark pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND) passed the combined test – double the national average (21 percent) for SEND last year. 

Venessa Willms, Ark Director of Education, said, “We are delighted to see our Year 6 children doing so well. These brilliant results are testament to their hard work – and to the dedication of our fantastic staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every single pupil can reach their full potential. 

“At Ark, we are committed to narrowing the attainment gap, so we invest heavily in reading, writing and maths. We know that getting these foundational skills right leads to success across all subjects. 

“Our reading strategy aims for all our pupils to read at their chronological age, and we have interventions in place to identify and address individual children’s needs. This gives our primary pupils the very best chance of making a successful transition into secondary school, and equips them to continue to thrive there – and beyond.” 

Madeleine Anderson, Managing Director at Ark Curriculum Plus (AC+), said, “A huge well done to our Ark primaries – and to our 700 AC+ partner schools.  

“Our English and Maths Mastery programmes have been shaped by the excellent practices observed in Ark’s primary schools, where our curricula are used extensively. We’re seeing students making three to seven months additional progress in Maths, which is so important for building confidence and preparing children for the next phase of their schooling.”