Ark Walworth Academy
London, SE1 5UJ · Southwark · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 19 secondary schools in Southwark we can score, 20 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 8.0/10 against 104 of them, against 5.9/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 49.6 · 61 | 30% | 1.84 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.18 · 63 | 25% | 1.58 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.0 · 39 | 10% | 0.39 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Walworth Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.18 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drama, Dance, Gymnastics, and Table Tennis clubs, or take part in Basketball, Football, Rugby, and Badminton. Arts options include Photography, Textiles, Big Band, Chamber Choir, and Samba Band. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 973 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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 school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Ark Walworth Academy
Overview
Ark Walworth Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "friendly and welcoming" community where pupils feel safe and valued. The institution maintains high academic expectations, with an "ambitious" curriculum that prepares students well for future education or employment, supported by strong staff dedication and improved attendance rates.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced" to build deep knowledge, with teachers providing "clear and precise" explanations of important concepts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "swiftly identified" and achieve well while accessing the same curriculum as their peers.
- Reading is prioritised through regular tutor time sessions and a phonics programme, with pupils enjoying the books they read.
- The personal development programme helps pupils become "responsible citizens" and stay safe, complemented by a wide range of cultural and extracurricular activities.
- Staff feel "well supported" and value the high-quality training provided by the school and the wider trust network.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not always used consistently to check learning; the school should ensure it is used to "address any errors or gaps in their learning" swiftly to deepen understanding.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.5 |
| 2024/25 | 43.3 |
| 2025/26 | 44.0 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of SE1 5UJ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT