News1st July 2025

Ark Teacher Training’s ‘Class of 2025’ teachers celebrate graduation at King Solomon Academy

Ark Teacher Training (ATT) celebrated its ‘Class of 2025’ at a special event to mark their graduation at Ark King Solomon Academy in Westminster, London, last week.

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Graduates celebrating at the ATT graduation

More than 180 new teachers completed the Ofsted ‘outstanding’ ATT course this year and will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status in the next month.

Following an address from Ark CEO Lucy Heller, there was a keynote speech from Emmanuel Akpan-Inwang – who was recently named on the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 and has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to social enterprise and young people.

Emmanuel is a former English teacher and the founder and director of Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust, an organisation which sets up children’s homes and works to ensure children in care have the same opportunities as everyone else.

The graduates then heard from Shimellis Mamo, a physics teacher from Clacton Coastal Academy, a Lift school. He told his peers that continually practicing and evolving his teaching methods had been vital for his development as an educator.

He said, “This year has highlighted that teaching is a craft. It’s not just about knowledge or enthusiasm. It’s about awareness, intention, and the courage to keep adjusting.”

Maryam Sheikh, from Ark Conway Primary Academy, then spoke to her peers about her experience of the ATT training programme.

Maryam reflected on her development over the past year. She explained how spending time at different Ark schools helped her hone her skills and build her confidence. She said, “I wasn’t second-guessing myself anymore. I had intent, direction – and most importantly, belief.”

Guests were then entertained by Ark Walworth Academy’s Year 9 band, who got the crowd moving to classic R&B and soul tracks by artists including Mary J Blige and Stevie Wonder.

Amy Walters, Deputy Head of ATT, said, “We wish all our new teachers the very best as they continue their teaching journey – they have worked so hard to get here and we’re really proud of them.”

Fellow Deputy Head, Maggie Sanchez-Gleason, said, “At ATT, we are passionate about delivering high-quality training to develop exceptional and dedicated teachers for children who need them most. And this cohort of brilliant teachers are testament to that.

“Big congratulations to the class of 2025 – we can’t wait to see what you achieve!”