Ark Evelyn Grace Academy occupies one of the most architecturally significant school buildings in London, a zig-zagging glass and steel structure designed by the late Zaha Hadid. Located in the heart of Brixton, the academy serves a diverse urban community with a focus on high expectations and character development. The school has recently undergone a major transformation, moving from a period of challenge to being officially rated Good in all areas by Ofsted following an inspection in February 2025.
With a capacity for 1,200 students, the academy offers a structured environment where staff know students well. As part of the Ark Schools network, it benefits from a centralised curriculum and professional development framework. Principal Una Sookun, who took the lead in June 2023, has been credited with overseeing significant improvements in school culture, behavior, and academic ambition.
The physical environment of Ark Evelyn Grace Academy is designed to inspire. The building features an 80m running track that passes directly under the main structure, symbolising the school's historical emphasis on energy and movement. Inside, light-filled corridors and open-plan spaces create a sense of modern professionalism.
The atmosphere is now defined by what the school calls its "Culture Compass," which puts community, ambition, integrity, professionalism, and perseverance at the heart of daily life. The 2025 Ofsted report described the school as a welcoming and happy place where staff care deeply about pupils' academic and personal success. While the academy maintains strict standards for uniform and conduct, recent changes have fostered a more inclusive and supportive relationship between staff and students.
Academic performance at Ark Evelyn Grace Academy is currently in a state of upward recovery. Historically, students did not achieve as well as they should have, but recent internal data and the latest Ofsted findings show that the "Culture Compass" and curriculum improvements are beginning to close knowledge gaps.
While the Progress 8 score remains below the England average, this figure is a lagging indicator that does not yet fully reflect the decisive actions taken by leadership over the last two years. The school is currently in the top tier locally for its aspirational curriculum and its work to identify and support pupils with special educational needs.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Ark Evelyn Grace is broad and ambitious, following the national framework with a particular focus on core subjects through the Ark Mastery programmes. Mathematics and English are given significant timetable weighting to ensure students build strong foundations.
Teachers are described as having expert subject knowledge, and the school provides targeted professional development to ensure high-quality delivery. A particular strength is the support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Detailed "pupil passports" allow teachers to make precise adaptations to learning, ensuring these students achieve alongside their peers. Additionally, the school provides intensive support for reading to ensure all students become confident and fluent readers.
Quality of Education
Requires Improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Requires Improvement
Pastoral care is a significant strength of the modern academy. Students value the support provided for their emotional and physical welfare, which includes dedicated counselling and mentoring. The school demands good conduct from everyone, and bullying is reported to be increasingly rare and dealt with effectively.
Attendance has also seen a marked improvement, with students attending more regularly than in previous years. The academy encourages students to be self-disciplined and ambitious, viewing punctuality and professional conduct as essential life skills.
Extracurricular life is anchored by exceptional sporting facilities, including the famous sprint track and large sports hall.
The school hosts impactful initiatives, including STEM events and aspirational assemblies designed to empower students.
The music department offers various instrumental tuitions, and students participate in regular workshops and trips.
The "Student Voice" is active, with Head Boy and Head Girl roles playing a genuine part in school life.
As a state-funded academy, Ark Evelyn Grace Academy has no tuition fees.
Entry to Ark Evelyn Grace Academy is non-selective and coordinated by the Lambeth Local Authority.
Applications
108
Total received
Places Offered
46
Subscription Rate
2.4x
Apps per place
Typically 8:25 am to 3:15 pm, with extra-curricular clubs running later.
The academy is a short walk from Herne Hill station (Southeastern/Thameslink) and Brixton underground. Bus routes 3, 37, 196, and 322 stop nearby.
While traditional "after-school care" isn't standard for secondaries, the extensive enrichment programme provides supervised activities until late afternoon.
Ark Evelyn Grace Academy is a school that has successfully redefined its identity. Combining Zaha Hadid's visionary architecture with a new, effective "Culture Compass," it offers a safe, happy, and increasingly ambitious environment. Best suited to local Lambeth families who want a disciplined, supportive secondary education with high-quality SEND provision and a strong focus on professional values. The challenge is no longer the school's quality, but securing a place in this oversubscribed academy.
Yes. As of its latest inspection in February 2025, Ark Evelyn Grace is rated Good in all areas by Ofsted. It has made significant improvements in leadership, behavior, and the quality of the curriculum over the past two years.
Applications for Year 7 entry must be made through the Lambeth Common Application Form (CAF). The standard deadline is 31 October for entry the following September.
No. It is a state-funded academy and does not charge tuition fees.
No. The academy currently serves students from Year 7 to Year 11. Students progress to other local providers or Ark sixth forms after their GCSEs.
The school's "Culture Compass" is built on five core values: Community, Ambition, Integrity, Professionalism, and Perseverance.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
