Ark Kings Academy Review 2026: An All-Through Journey of Ambition in Kings Norton

Ark Kings Academy occupies a significant position in the Kings Norton community, providing a continuous educational pathway from the first days of primary school through to the sixth form. As an all-through academy within the Ark network, the school serves approximately 1,000 students on a single campus in south Birmingham. The academy has undergone a period of substantial transformation, having recently transitioned from a history of challenge to a settled position where primary outcomes, in particular, now significantly exceed England averages. While the secondary phase continues to focus on narrowing progress gaps, the school operates with a clear, unified mission to ensure every student is prepared for university or a career of their choice.

The atmosphere at Ark Kings is defined by a sense of structured ambition. The academy is part of the Ark Multi-Academy Trust, which it joined in 2012, and the trust influence is visible in the school high expectations for conduct and its focus on character development. There is a palpable small school feel despite the all-through nature of the site, which leaders credit to the close relationships formed as students move from Reception through to Year 11 and beyond.

The Executive Principal is Mrs Caz Brasenell, who has led the school through a period of rapid and sustained improvement since her appointment in early 2022. Under her leadership, the school moved from a difficult period into its current standing as a Good school. The academy values of Persistence, Ambition, Collaboration, and Courtesy are embedded into the daily routine. Children and pupils are happy, safe, and proud to attend this all-through school, with many striving to meet the high expectations set by staff. The physical environment has benefited from investment, providing a modern backdrop for an education that prioritises academic rigour alongside personal growth.

The performance data at Ark Kings presents a tale of two phases, with the primary section emerging as a particular highlight. In the 2024 Key Stage 2 results, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a significant achievement when compared to the England average of 62%. The school reading scaled score of 107 and mathematics score of 106 both comfortably exceed national benchmarks.

Ark Kings ranks 5,164th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 101st among 395 primary providers in Birmingham, placing it within the top tier locally.

At the secondary level, the picture is more developmental. The 2024 GCSE results show an average Attainment 8 score of 35.8. The Progress 8 score of -0.53 suggests that while students are attaining qualifications, they are making progress that is below the England average from their starting points. However, nearly 21% of students achieved the top grades (9 to 7) in their GCSEs, reflecting the school focus on high aspirations for its most able cohorts.

Teaching at Ark Kings follows a coordinated and ambitious curriculum that spans from the early years to Year 11. Leaders have worked tirelessly to ensure every subject is well-sequenced, allowing students to build on their knowledge year after year. The teaching of reading is a particular strength in both the primary and secondary phases, underpinned by the belief that literacy is the foundation of all academic success.

In the primary phase, specialist teaching in music and physical education enriches the standard curriculum. For secondary students, the focus shifts toward the EBacc suite of subjects, though the proportion of students currently achieving Grade 5 or above in the EBacc remains low at 8.1%. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and use the Ark network resources to deliver lessons that are both challenging and supportive. Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) benefit from this coordinated approach, making good progress alongside their peers.

Where Students Go Next

As an all-through school, Ark Kings places a heavy emphasis on internal progression, with many pupils moving seamlessly from the primary phase into Year 7. For leavers at Year 11 and Year 13, the focus is on securing high-quality destinations. While specific Oxbridge and Russell Group numbers for the 2024/25 cohort were not explicitly published in the latest dataset, the school wide focus on university readiness is evident in its careers programme and sixth form provision.

The academy works closely with the Ark network to provide students with access to competitive internships and university application support. Students are encouraged to look beyond their immediate locality, with many progressing to local colleges and universities within the West Midlands and further afield.

Admissions for both the primary and secondary entry points are oversubscribed, reflecting the school growing reputation in the Kings Norton area. For Reception entry, the school received 48 applications for 25 places (a 1.92 ratio). For Year 7 entry, demand was even higher, with 236 applications for 54 offers, indicating that Ark Kings is a school of choice for many families in the B38 postcode.

Applications for secondary school entry in September 2026 opened on 1 September 2025 and closed on 31 October 2025. National Offer Day for secondary places is 2 March 2026. For primary entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

Fees & Financial Aid

Ark Kings Academy is a state-funded school, and there are no tuition fees for any students from Reception through to the Sixth Form. As a member of the Ark Schools network, the academy receives its funding directly from the government. Families are responsible for standard costs such as school uniform, which can be purchased via the school official suppliers, and optional costs for school trips or individual music tuition. The school provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals, including help with the cost of uniform and essential curricular trips.

The latest Ofsted report rated the school Good for personal development and behaviour and attitudes. Inspectors found that pupils try hard because they have high aspirations allied to a can-do attitude. The academy pays serious attention to promoting good attendance, and as a result, attendance figures in the secondary phase are currently above the national average.

The school operates a strong pastoral system where staff know their students well. There is a clear emphasis on becoming responsible citizens, with students encouraged to respect many cultures, faiths, and beliefs. Safeguarding procedures are effective, and students report feeling safe and well-supported by the welfare leaders on site.

Extracurricular life at Ark Kings is designed to broaden horizons and build character. The school recently received £20,000 in funding from Restore the Music, which has significantly enhanced its music provision and instrument access. Specific clubs include the AllStars event and various sporting fixtures led by staff like Mr. White and Mr. Barker.

The academy also benefits from the Ark network wide competitions, including the Ark Music Gala and various sports championships. These opportunities allow students to compete and collaborate with peers from across the country, fostering a sense of belonging to a wider educational community.

The school day typically begins at 8:30am for both phases. Primary pupils finish their day at 3:15pm, while secondary students finish at 3:30pm, though this can vary for those attending after-school enrichment or catch-up sessions. Wraparound care details, including breakfast clubs, are not currently published on the main website; parents should contact the school office directly for the latest information on before and after-school provision. The school is well-served by local bus routes through Kings Norton and is within walking distance for most families in the immediate catchment.

• Secondary Progress Focus: While primary results are exceptional, secondary progress scores remain well below the England average. Families should look for evidence of the rapid improvement noted by inspectors continuing into the GCSE years.
• High Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of over 4 to 1 for Year 7, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Living within very close proximity to the Shannon Road site is essential for those without sibling priority.
• Rapid Improvement Journey: The school recently transitioned from Special Measures to a Good rating within a short timeframe. This indicates a high-intensity improvement culture which may be more demanding for some students than a traditional community school environment.

Ark Kings Academy is a school that has successfully reinvented itself, moving from a period of instability to one of clear, ambitious leadership. It is particularly strong in the primary phase, where pupils achieve results well above the national average. Best suited to local families who value the continuity of an all-through education and who want their children to be part of a high-expectation culture that prioritises university and career pathways. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.