The short version
Above-average GCSE results. 83% capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 56.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- 39% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
56.0
12.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
62%
19.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
86%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 92 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 998
- Capacity
- 83%
- FSM
- 38.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Barnet
- Trust
- ARK SCHOOLS
- Head
- Ms Su Reddy
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Westcombe Drive, Barnet, EN5 2BE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Catherine's RC School
Primary · 312m away
Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School
Secondary · 705m away
Lyonsdown School
Independent · 804m away
Barnet and Southgate College
16 plus · 935m away
Underhill School
Primary · 947m away
Susi Earnshaw Theatre School
Independent · 963m away
The Windmill School
Free school · 999m away
The Ravenscroft School A Technology College
Secondary · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Ark Pioneer Academy a selective school?
No. Ark Pioneer Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Ark Pioneer Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ark Pioneer Academy was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in September 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Ark Pioneer Academy?
Ark Pioneer Academy currently has 998 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Ark Pioneer Academy take?
Ark Pioneer Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Ark Pioneer Academy?
Ark Pioneer Academy is in Barnet, EN5 2BE, in the Barnet local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Ark Pioneer Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Ark Pioneer Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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