Ark Elvin Academy ‘improved out of all recognition’ say Ofsted

Monday 4th November 2019

Ark Elvin Academy is today celebrating its Ofsted report, which rated the school as “good.”

The report praised the school’s leadership and management, which it rated as outstanding. “The headteacher and leaders have very high expectations,” says the report. “Their vision for the school is shared by everyone involved. Staff want all pupils to succeed in every area of their lives, not just academically.”

The positive Ofsted rating represents an impressive turnaround for Ark Elvin Academy, which opened in 2014 on the site of Copland Community School, which Ofsted placed in special measures in 2013. The new Ofsted report acknowledged the transformation: “Pupils, parents and staff all agree that Ark Elvin Academy has improved out of all recognition,” said inspectors. “Pupils are proud of the school.”

The report also noted that the school had created a positive environment for student learning. “Leaders have high expectations of how pupils should behave,” inspectors said. “The school is a calm, safe and supportive place for pupils. Pupils behave very well in lessons. They get on well with one another and with adults. At breaktimes the atmosphere in social areas is friendly. Pupils say they feel safe and bullying is not a problem.”

Principal Rebecca Curtis said: “We are really pleased with this Ofsted report, which represents the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from staff, students and the families that make up this community. As good as this report is, we are determined to continue to improve. Our school motto is ‘dare for greatness’ and this is only the beginning of the high ambitions and expectations we have for Ark Elvin Academy.”

The Ofsted report stated: “Leaders and Ark trustees believe that nothing less than outstanding is good enough. The school has improved rapidly. Staff morale is high. Excellent training helps to motivate them. Leaders listen to their concerns and do all they can to keep the workload manageable. Clear systems mean that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them. The Ark Network and the local governors keep a close watch on the school’s progress.”

You can read the report here.