News23rd February 2015
Ark Putney Academy is celebrating winning a £5,000 Pupil Premium Award after the school was named as one of the top schools in the country for helping disadvantaged students achieve good GCSE results.
As well as achieving great results, GCSE results rose last year despite a national drop, Ark Putney is aware that students need more than just academic success in order to achieve their potential.
Pupil Premium funding has allowed Ark Putney Academy to offer additional literacy classes for students in years 7 to 11 who are behind their expected reading age. After-school homework and revision sessions are also on offer so students can have extra time with teachers.
The funding has allowed trips to top universities, such as Roehampton and Royal Holloway, to help encourage interest in further educations.
Year 12 student Sophia, who has applied to Roehampton University said, “It’s really great to be able to visit universities, once you can picture yourself somewhere it gives you something to work for.”
Ark Putney Academy also subscribes to programs such as “Into University” and “Debate Mate” which helps develop confidence and interpersonal skills.
“For us the most important thing is to offer equal opportunities to all our students and to provide them with the best life chances by breaking down the social and economic barriers to success,” said Principal Alison Downey. “Additional support in the class room, visits from inspirational speakers and engaging in team building exercises like our Year 10 residential trip next month all contribute to creating the best environment for success.”
Ark Putney Academy is one of only 140 schools nationwide to be awarded the Pupil Premium Award, which recognises outstanding use of Pupil Premium funding to raise attainment among disadvantaged students.
The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to publicly funded schools in England to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and close the gap between them and their peers. The 2015 Pupil Premium Awards recognise the schools that do the most to help disadvantaged pupils. At Ark Putney Academy, 58% of students are eligible for the pupil premium.
The £5,000 award will go towards providing students at Ark Putney Academy with further educational opportunities and support.