Ark Oval Primary Academy in East Croydon this week celebrated the opening of its brand new teaching building. The event was attended by the Mayor of Croydon, Toni Letts OBE, local councillors, school governors and senior leaders.
The Key Stage 2 choir opened the proceedings, followed by heartfelt speeches from the head girl and head boy, Rym and Joshua.
Principal Ali Silke thanked all involved, saying, “I am thrilled we have this new facility that I believe will help develop us into the outstanding school that I think every child deserves to have.”
Venessa Willms OBE, Ark's Director of Primary said, “I always say that great buildings don't make great schools; it's the values and the teachers that make great schools. But having a great building does make the day job of learning and teaching a lot easier – and the learning environment that has been created here is truly special. I have every single confidence that today marks a new start on the school’s journey to becoming outstanding."
The borough is facing a shortfall of school places in future years and this building expansion is part of a plan to help address the need for additional school places, particularly in central Croydon. Ark Oval Primary Academy in Cherry Orchard Road opened in 2011 and has been rated as good by Ofsted.