Ark Pioneer Academy in Barnet

[soupnoodles]

Hello

Does anyone have any experience of Ark Pioneer Academy in High Barnet please?

Really keen to hear from parents at the school particularly

Did you search on MN? There's a post already and someone just updated it a couple of weeks ago.

Ark are like a cult. Avoid

Thank you @Rekka This is helpful

Thank you @combinationpadlock

My two daughters go there, brilliant school. No complaints - yes they have their own strict culture (as do most Ark Schools) but very professional

Thank you so much @sumer1 for getting back to my thread, can. I ask please what the behaviour policy is like? Is it strict to the ping of anxiety? Also are kids given confidence when they do good things?

they have a new head and the behavious policy i have to say is strict - my daughters do complain about that eg the other day she was told her tie was too low and she will have to stay 15 mins after school (too harsh). on the other hand the teaching, homework etc super organised and lots of support for those that need it - a good balance

Thank you @sumer1 ☺️

I have a daughter there, but I suspect you’ve made your application now?

I have yes and we went with it as first choice, would love to hear any feedback please

Bumping

Apologies. Missed this! So I really like it. My DD has some extra needs and the support has been pretty good. They are strict, yes, but not really any more than most schools. I think it’s a shock to the system quite how organised they have to be: every evening we are very much ‘right, let’s go through what you need for tomorrow, now’ and all homework has to be done when home. The days are long and this does eat into their evening especially when they are only year seven and small!

All in all pretty happy! Assume you are local - feel free to PM me. We might know each other!

Looking at applying to this school for 2026 entry. Have things changed since the new head joined?

Great school , preferred the old head. New one is ok. From September the school time will finish at 3.15pm instead of 4pm. Great academically but strict with rules.

Sorry to be a bother. Did you compare it with Totteridge Academy down the road when you were looking? How does it compare?

i didnt no...i did compare it to QE girls though ....glad i made the choice with Ark.

I did compare to TTA. The main reason I didnt like that was the 100 min lessons. That wouldn’t have worked for my daughter. New head not as good but I remain happy with it.

Please can you share why you chose Ark instead of QE? Bullying? Quality of teaching?

I also compared with QE. They are very different schools. The starting point is the fact it’s all girls. I believe kids should be educated in their community and that involves boys so my default would be to avoid that division. But ultimately, in my view, the Ark had superior facilities, a better curriculum, an emphasis on wider skills as well as just academics. Is ofsted outstanding. The teachers are young and enthusiastic and its tech focussed - every child gets a chrome book on day one

Yes I clocked that when I heard about the double periods. That would not work for us too. Thank you sharing your feedback. Very useful.

I am very disappointed with Ark Academy’s approach to discipline. Detentions are given out far too easily, even for minor issues such as moving out of line. This creates a punitive atmosphere rather than one focused on learning and guidance.
My child also received a detention for not completing homework within their first two weeks at the school, despite not being sent the homework link. There was little understanding shown for a new student still settling in.
It feels as though discipline is prioritised over support, with little regard for children as individuals who need teaching and guidance. This experience has left us seriously considering moving our child to a school with a more supportive and understanding approach.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I've heard they run a "tight ship". Is this at year 7?

Thanks, and to add that my child absolutely loves learning and also the social side of school.
Also luckily they are not at all sensitive (like I am on their behalf !).
I'm concerned that children will feel down trodden here, as they know that no matter how they try to communicate with teacher, sadly they don't have time.
Maybe the detention target could be why & not sure if this is something of a rumour, but could explain alot about the "tight ship".
I had high hopes, had read many, many reviews and spoke to many other parents, in advance, and generally am very supportive of school policies to develop children, when sensibly applied.
Whilst TTA is further for our family, but I will check as the children seem to be happy there and the result are good.