Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
Hastings, TN34 2HU · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.6/10 against 3,379 of them, against 9.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 92.0 · 98 | 40% | 3.93 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 92.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drama/Musical Theatre Club, Art Club, and the school choir. Sports options include Dance, 6 Love Sports Coaching with Louis - Multi Sports, Andy Studsy - Football Club, Kids Karate, Golf, and Swimming. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 623 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the curriculum support pupils who reach the higher standard? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the Drama/Musical Theatre Club?
What Ofsted said about Ark Blacklands Primary Academy
Overview
Ark Blacklands Primary Academy continues to be an outstanding school, maintaining a culture of "high expectations and tenacity." The report highlights that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, "flourish academically and socially" due to the excellent standard of education provided.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exceptional" behaviour, diligently following rules and showing deep respect for peers who may need different approaches.
- Leaders have designed a "rich and ambitious curriculum" with attention to detail, ensuring learning is broken into "well-organised chunks" for logical knowledge building.
- The personal development curriculum is "exemplary," thoughtfully weaving in character development and "habits of success" such as resilience and curiosity.
- Teachers use "highly effective" assessment and skilled questioning to address misconceptions quickly, while providing tailored support for pupils with additional needs.
- Pupils are "confident, fluent readers" who appreciate books, supported by expert phonics teaching and daily story time.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders creating a strong culture where staff are trained to recognise signs of need and act swiftly on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 85% |
| 2023/24 | 86% |
| 2024/25 | 92% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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