Ark Bolingbroke Academy
London, SW11 6BF · Wandsworth · secondary school
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3rd of 11 secondary schools in Wandsworth we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.8/10 against 746 of them, against 9.2/10 nationally. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 67.8 · 89 | 46% | 4.09 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.04 · 98 | 38% | 3.76 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 56.2 · 87 | 15% | 1.34 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Bolingbroke Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 60.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was +1.04, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. 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 (9.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh Award, play badminton, basketball, football, pickleball, trampolining, cricket, athletics, or netball, and access the Instrumental Lesson Programme, Peripatetic acting lessons, and the Music Scholar and Apprentice Programme.
Getting in
The published school roll is 793 pupils against a stated capacity of 800. 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
With 793 pupils in an 800-place school, how does the academy manage class sizes for new intakes? How does the Progress 8 score of +1.04 translate into individual support for students aiming for higher grades? What specific support is available for pupils participating in the Music
What Ofsted said about Ark Bolingbroke Academy
Overview
Pupils are “exceptionally well supported to succeed” at Ark Bolingbroke Academy, where the shared ambition for “courage, compassion, community and excellence” is “fully realised”. The school delivers a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that results in “very strong examination results” and fosters “exemplary” behaviour and conduct among students.
Strengths
- Subject leaders have designed a curriculum that builds knowledge progressively, helping pupils become “highly proficient in recalling what they have previously learned”.
- “Consistently high-quality teaching” from subject experts ensures pupils develop a “deep understanding of the subject content” and address misconceptions effectively.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities access the same ambitious curriculum and achieve highly due to “effective strategies” and skilful task adaptations.
- The school prioritises reading through a “well-stocked library” and effective support, helping pupils become “fluent and accurate readers”.
- Sixth-form students develop as “independent learners” and act as “proud role models”, contributing positively to the school and local community.
Areas to improve
- Leaders are focused on improving attendance “still further”, although it is already high and persistent absence is low.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well informed about procedures and a proactive approach to mental health and safety.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 61.3 |
| 2024/25 | 60.2 |
| 2025/26 | 56.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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