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Our approach

Our schools are deeply rooted in their local communities and each has a unique character, but they all subscribe to the same set of core principles. These six pillars are the defining features of our approach; they ensure our students receive a strong education that sets them up for future success. We work together to ensure that every school benefits from the very best that Ark has to offer.
A lesson at Ark Bentworth Primary Academy in west London

Ark’s pillars – a shared approach across our schools

Knowing Every Child

Every child is known well by the adults in the school. We champion each child’s progress and work in partnership with families to support them.

High Expectations

Every child can achieve great things. Our schools create a culture where everyone aims high, children are taught to take responsibility for their learning, behaviour is exemplary and children can get the best outcomes possible.

Excellent Teaching

Excellent teaching sparks curiosity and brings learning alive. We recruit people who share our vision and invest in their development.

Ambitious Curriculum

A knowledge-rich curriculum provides the building blocks for children to make exceptional progress. Our schools establish the fundamentals in English and maths so children can access a breadth of subjects that open up the world around them.

Enriching Experiences

An excellent education helps children understand themselves, what they value and where they want to go. We provide enriching experiences that broaden horizons and develop the attributes and skills children need to thrive.

Strong relationships

Our schools are flourishing communities built on strong relationships and shared values. They are collaborative, positive and inclusive places where everyone – children and adults – can belong.

Pupils at Ark White City Primary practise their handwriting.

The Ark Model

Ark’s Education Model seeks to ensure that all children within our schools benefit from the same high-quality education. It sets out our approach and supports schools to achieve excellence in all areas. Drawing on the best expertise in our network, the model names the prerequisites and enabling factors for success, and provides carefully sequenced guidance and resources to help leaders to plot their own school improvement journey.

Find out more about some of the components that make up the Ark Model below.

  • Curriculum and assessment

    The quality of our subject curricula and assessment is a determining factor in how effectively we succeed in our mission.

  • Digital learning

    We aim to implement and embed impactful digital opportunities across our schools, where we know they raise attainment and support teacher workload and effectiveness. ​

  • Enrichment

    Academic outcomes alone are insufficient to guarantee success. Children are entitled to a comprehensive set of experiences which develop life skills, foster joy and encourage a sense of belonging.

  • Inclusion and SEND

    We aim to create an inclusive environment and to offer appropriate provision that supports all our students to flourish.

  • Leadership

    Investing in leadership development is a vital driver for improved student outcomes and school transformation.

  • Mental Health

    We take a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, including support for school leaders and safeguarding leads, and specialist one-to-one provision for our students.

  • Reading

    Children who attend Ark schools should expect to be able to read at or above their chronological age – it is their entitlement and our responsibility.

  • Teacher development

    A great teacher in every classroom is the biggest lever for ensuring student success.