News11th July 2025

Ark Schools recognised in Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025’

Ark Schools has been recognised in this year’s Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ rankings. These prestigious annual ratings celebrate UK employers across a wide range of industries and sectors that are doing the most to provide high-quality apprenticeships for their employees.

Ark Learning InstituteArk Kings Academy

The rankings are data-driven, and employers are placed according to the number and range of new apprenticeships they have provided over the past year, the diversity of the apprentices they have hired, and the number of employees who have successfully completed their apprenticeships.

Ark Schools came in at number 89 and was the only multi-academy trust in the UK in the rankings. Over the last year, Ark Schools has enrolled more than 100 apprentices from a range of backgrounds, across a broad range of programmes including teaching, finance, HR, Teaching Assistant, Early Years, facilities and IT.

More than 400 learners have now completed the Level 6 Teacher apprenticeship programme since Ark Schools became an apprenticeship provider for Ark Schools and partner schools back in September 2021.

Ark Kings Academy Teaching Assistant apprentice Maisie Bridges said, “Reflecting upon my SEND Teaching Assistant apprenticeship journey over the past year and a half, I am proud of how much I have progressed and learnt. The training and opportunities provided by both Ark and my apprenticeship provider LMP have given me the knowledge and skills to flourish in my dream career.

“I felt supported by my tutor and workplace to overcome the challenges inevitable within working in education, especially whilst completing a Level 3 qualification, allowing me to provide our students with the education they deserve. I would definitely recommend apprenticeships for those who value both practical and applied learning.”

Monika Wozniak is an ATT trainee on the Level 6 Teacher apprentice at Hazelwood Academy. She said, “During my interview for the Teacher Apprenticeship, I shared my aspiration to become a teacher who truly inspires children. The training provided by Ark and the apprenticeship programme has given me the practical tools and confidence to support every child in the classroom. It has been a transformative journey that has helped turn my passion for teaching into real, impactful practice.”

Ellis McAllister, who is completing an apprenticeship in the Ark central data team at EdCity in London, said, “I am really impressed with the Data Foundations apprenticeship with BPP, especially the organisation of the course, and how this has been presented and is so easily digestible. The host of additional benefits and resources is great too! The relationship between Ark and BPP means I have felt supported every step of the way. Even in two months I have learnt so much and I am excited for what’s to come!”

Gemma Bellamy recently completed an apprenticeship in Project Management in the Ark central team. She said, “My APM project management apprenticeship has been an incredible experience that’s really supported my personal and professional development. The programme gave me the practical skills and confidence to manage more complex projects effectively. I really enjoyed the mix of hands-on learning and structured training – it provided a great balance for me to grow and succeed in my career.”

And Miranda Horner, a Library, Archives and Information apprentice – also at Ark Kings – said, “My school has been very supportive. They gave me time off for volunteering roles and job shadowing. Completing an apprenticeship alongside your day-to-day job gives an apprentice a fantastic opportunity to gain a full picture of their role.”

Ark Head of Operations Staff Development Sarah Tallack said, “Apprenticeships are a great alternative to the traditional academic route into employment, as well as a way for us to develop our existing staff and support them to achieve funded professional qualifications. They offer a valuable blend of hands-on learning and professional development.

“At Ark Schools, we have worked really hard with partner providers to grow our use of apprenticeship and extend our reach over the last few years. This is a key part of Ark’s commitment to personal development and our core value to keep learning and growing. I’m delighted to see our efforts recognised externally.”

Full details of the new rankings are on the Sunday Times website.