Greenwich school judged “requiring improvement” six years ago could soon be “outstanding”
By Lachlan Leming, Local Democracy Reporter
A school ordered by Ofsted to improve six years ago could now be judged as outstanding, the education watchdog has reported.
Ark Greenwich Free School in Shooters Hill received the favourable review after an inspection earlier this year.
It’s a turnaround from 2014, when Ofsted judged that the school required improvement, highlighting concerns over pupil achievement, teaching quality and leadership, shortly before it came under new management.
A full school inspection in 2016 found the school had subsequently improved enough to be considered ‘good’.
An inspection earlier this year found that the school, which now has 551 students after being founded in 2012, had continued to be good and would potentially be judged as outstanding.
“There is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a section 5 (full) inspection now,” the most recent report states.
Ofsted also stated all pupils “including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged, have equal access to the full range of subjects and opportunities that are on offer”.
The report added pupils are “polite, courteous and friendly,” and that bullying was rare and quickly dealt with.
However, the watchdog said it identified gaps in pupils’ knowledge in music and religious studies, and urged the school to improve it.
The report was welcomed by principal Rhys Spiers.
He said: “This Ofsted report represents exponential progress for our school and we are naturally delighted to achieve the highest possible outcome in this inspection.
“There has been no silver bullet – our success is built on traditional values such as good discipline, courtesy and respect. Our scholars will allow members of the public on to the bus before themselves and give up their seat. We think this is important.”
“Our classrooms are exciting, modern and innovative places to learn. We make sure learning sticks and this enables our scholars to access the highest possible grades.”