Ark Kings Academy

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 now looking steadier than the older headline suggested. In the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset, 70% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, while 10% reached the higher standard. The school reading and mathematics scaled scores are both 105.

Ark Kings ranks 7,754th out of 14,978 schools in England for overall primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), with a primary academic rank of 7,220th out of 14,978. Locally, it ranks 152nd in Birmingham for primary outcomes, which is a more mid-ranking profile than the older top-tier wording suggested.

At the secondary level, the picture is more developmental. The 2024-25 / 2025 dataset shows an average Attainment 8 score of 36.5. 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. In English and maths, 24.2% achieved grades 9 to 5 and 46.7% achieved grades 9 to 4.

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 5%, with 25% entered for the EBacc in the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset. 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. Specific Oxbridge and Russell Group numbers are not published, so the safer reading is that university readiness is part of the careers programme and sixth form provision rather than a quantified destinations claim.

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 coordinated through Birmingham. Families should check the current Reception and Year 7 arrangements, including oversubscription criteria and distance patterns, before assuming that either entry point will be straightforward.

For secondary school entry in September 2027, applications open on 1 September 2026, close on 31 October 2026, and offers are released on 1 March 2027, with an acceptance deadline of 15 March 2027. For Reception entry in September 2027, applications open on 1 October 2026, close on 15 January 2027, and offers are released on 16 April 2027, with an acceptance deadline of 30 April 2027. 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, encouraging 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: In the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset, Progress 8 is -0.53 and Attainment 8 is 36.5, so families should look for evidence of the rapid improvement noted by inspectors continuing into the GCSE years.
• Competition for Places: Current admissions dates are available for both Reception and Year 7. Families should check oversubscription criteria, sibling priority, and distance patterns rather than relying on an older applications-to-places ratio.
• 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.