News3rd July 2014
ARK Schools has had its applications to create two brand new free schools in Croydon approved by the Department for Education.
The proposals will create a new primary academy with 660 places for local children, including a nursery with 30 places. In addition, a secondary academy will be built that will cater for 1,200 students, including a 300 place sixth form.
The plans build on the success of the group’s existing primary school, ARK Oval Primary Academy in Cherry Orchard Road which opened in 2011. The school was rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted when they inspected in 2012.
“We know that parents want to see more good schools in Croydon, and that’s why we’re creating two new academies in the area,” said Lucy Heller, Chief Executive of ARK. “These new academies will work closely with others in the borough, including ARK Oval, to give children the best possible education.”
The borough is facing a shortfall of school places in future years and this will help address the need for additional schools, particularly in central Croydon.
The primary school will be sited in Victoria House in Waddon, while the secondary school will also be in the centre of the borough. ARK Schools is working closely with Croydon Council and the Education Funding Agency to identify a suitable location for the secondary. Closer to the opening date, ARK Schools will be holding public meetings to discuss the plans in more depth with local parents and the community.