Ark Charter Academy described as 'happy', 'kind' and 'respectful' school with high expectations

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
A secondary school has been described as a ‘happy’, ‘kind’ and ‘respectful’ place.

Ark Charter Academy, located in Hyde Park Road, Southsea, has received a good Ofsted report following its recent inspection which took place on December 10, 2024.

The inspection outlined that the behaviour at the school is ‘much improved’ and the atmosphere is ‘typically happy, kind, respectful and calm.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Ark Charter Academy has received a good Ofsted following its recent inspection which took place on December 10, 2024.Ark Charter Academy has received a good Ofsted following its recent inspection which took place on December 10, 2024.
Ark Charter Academy has received a good Ofsted following its recent inspection which took place on December 10, 2024. | Ark Charter Academy Ofsted

The report, which was published on January 29, 2025, said: “In the last couple of years, leaders and staff, supported by the multi-academy trust, have created a school community where pupils feel proud to belong.

“Pupils helped choose the school’s values, which focus strongly on inclusivity and form the backbone of the ‘character development’ programme.

“The curriculum has been reorganised so that each subject’s curriculum is ambitious and logically sequenced. Pupils learn effectively across an increasingly broad range of subjects.”

The teaching is well thought out and the school focuses on checking gaps in knowledge to ensure students are retaining information. The school is also raising student aspirations and they offer high quality career advice and guidance so children have ideas about their future.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Christian Down, principal, said: “Thanks to the effort and dedication of our students, staff and whole school community, we have been on a rapid school improvement journey.

The school has been carefully implementing its behaviour policy to ‘reduce discriminatory behaviour, low-level disruption and truancy’. As a result of this, there are more suspensions but pupils have an understanding of the school’s expectations and lessons are calm.

Mr Down added: “I’m delighted that the report highlighted the impact of the Jonathan Centre on students' mental health and well-being. It’s a unique and important facility that also benefits the wider community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We will keep up all the hard work and push on with our drive for excellence as we continue our improvement journey.”

The safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping pupils safe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice