Ark Evelyn Grace Academy Review 2026: Striking Architecture and a Community Transformed

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 central to 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.

• FindMySchool Ranking: 3,640th in England for GCSE academic outcomes.
• Local Standing: 15th among secondaries in Lambeth.
• Attainment 8 Score: 39.9.
• Progress 8 Score: -0.46 (reflecting historical data; however, inspectors noted that current teaching is increasingly consistent and effective).

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.

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.

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.

STEM

The school hosts impactful initiatives, including STEM events and aspirational assemblies designed to empower students.

Creative Arts

The music department offers various instrumental tuitions, and students participate in regular workshops and trips.

Leadership

The "Student Voice" is active, with Head Boy and Head Girl roles playing a genuine part in school life.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Ark Evelyn Grace Academy has no tuition fees.

• Associated Costs: Families should budget for the school uniform, which is mandatory and specific to the academy.
• Financial Assistance: The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support students from low-income households. This funding is used to raise attainment and provide access to educational visits and trips. The school's Charging and Remissions Policy ensures that no child is excluded from essential curriculum-based trips due to financial hardship.

Entry to Ark Evelyn Grace Academy is non-selective and coordinated by the Lambeth Local Authority.

• Year 7 Entry: Applications are made through the Lambeth Common Application Form for the relevant secondary transfer year.
• Admissions timetable: Use Lambeth's current guidance for the autumn application window and national offer cycle.
• Oversubscription: The school can be popular locally, so families should apply on time and compare realistic options.
• Criteria: Priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and those living closest to the school gate. Parents can check their distance using the FindMySchool map tool to gauge historical likelihoods.

School Day

Typically 8:25 am to 3:15 pm, with extra-curricular clubs running later.

Transport

The academy is a short walk from Herne Hill station (Southeastern/Thameslink) and Brixton underground. Bus routes 3, 37, 196, and 322 stop nearby.

Wraparound Care

While traditional "after-school care" isn't standard for secondaries, the extensive enrichment programme provides supervised activities until late afternoon.

• No Sixth Form: The academy serves students aged 11 to 16. Students must transition to other Ark colleges or local sixth forms for A-levels.
• Recent Improvement: The school's "Good" rating is fresh (February 2025). Families are joining a community that has successfully turned a corner, but some older students may still be bridging historical knowledge gaps.
• Strict Professionalism: The school culture is very structured. This professional environment suits students who thrive under clear expectations but may feel rigid to some.

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.