News16th July 2024

Ark primary schools achieve strong SATs outcomes 

Year 6 pupils across Ark’s primary schools have achieved top marks in this year’s Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests (SATs).  

Seventy-six percent of Ark pupils achieved the expected standard or above in reading, writing and mathematics combined – 15 percentage points higher than the national average of 61 percent. 

The results are particularly noteworthy given that 66 percent of children eligible for pupil premium leave an Ark primary school having met the expected standard in maths and English, compared to 44 percent nationally. 

Venessa Willms, Director of Education, said, “We’re very pleased with another strong set of results, and to continue to improve year on year. As a network, we invest heavily in reading because we know it’s a foundational skill that impacts success across all subject areas. 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, combined with carefully sequenced curricula, ensures that our children are well-prepared for their transition to secondary school.  The results are also testament to our dedicated staff, who are determined that every pupil receives the support they need to reach their potential.” 

Dr. Helen Drury, Executive Director of Education at Ark Curriculum Plus, added, “I am thrilled by the exceptional performance of Year 6 children this year, not only in Ark primaries but also in our partner schools. Ark’s Maths Mastery has been the original inspiration for the national teaching for mastery approach, which is now implemented through the Maths Hubs. Additionally, our English Mastery programme has been shaped by the excellent practices observed in Ark’s primary schools, including the network-wide Reading Signature Strategies.”