Choosing between Michaela and Ark Academy for secondary school

[starkids]

Hi,

I have looked in to the details of both schools Michaela and Ark Academy in Wembley.

I can see that Michaela is strict when compared to Ark academy. Also i noticed Michaela does not have Computer science in their curriculum but Ark Academy has Computer science in their curriculum from Year 7 onwards to all years.

For this reason can i prefer Ark Academy first and then Michaela or is it OK to go with Michaela without Computer science due to other factors like Discipline, etc.,

Thanks.

Computer Science can be picked up later or at home (if it is coding skills you are looking for, there are very good self-teaching resources if your child is interested). I would go with where you think your child would be safe, happy and do well.

ETA: Don't pick a school though if you don't agree with their behaviour policy. (That is, if you have a choice.)

Michaela is a very particular style of school - you (and your child) need to 100% buy into their ethos, or you wouldn't have a good time of it. They don't tolerate people who don't comply with the methods and rules they have decided on. Compliance and everyone doing the same thing Their Way is how they operate. They really encourage visitors so there are plenty of articles and blogs from people describing what it's like there, and even posts on MN from parents, from people in favour of it and against it, so do plenty of reading up before you decide. They certainly produce amazing results, but at what costs.

There have been lots of posts on twitter over the weekend because a letter to Year 11 parents was shared - throughout May they run compulsory after school and Saturday revision sessions for all pupils. Not optional. If Year 11 pupils don't attend the extra sessions, after school every day and every Saturday, they get sent to "referral" (isolation) as punishment. You may think that sounds great extra teaching will get the best results, or you may think WTF let the kids make their own revision choices and actually chillout a bit before they burnout from the stress.

https://time.com/5232857/michaela-britains-strictest-school/
https://ahouseinjoppa.wordpress.com/2025/01/22/the-michaela-school-the-classroom-and-the-lunch/
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/5434602-my-child-attends-michaela-community-school-ama

I’m no where near london but have followed articles on Michaela and really respect a lot of it. But I note that GSCE options are very limited in comparison to many other schools (ours is big so loads of extra options smaller schools can’t offer). My child is neurodiverse and whilst very bright would not cope being in all those extra lessons unless her choice to attend. She needs to chill at times and focus in bursts etc

Lots of strict parents like Michaela - so is that you? Is your child compliant and a rule follower? I had a bright chatty child and, whilst perfectly well behaved, Michaela would have driven her mad as she liked having a bit of fun with friends at school. She wasn’t disruptive and was very engaged in learning but talking to friends mattered! She would never have thrived with silent corridors! She and other dd did loads of after school clubs and activities. So enforced missing them would have been a no no too.

Michaela has a fairly restricted curriculum and the vast majority do the double award science too and some disadvantaged pupils don’t do 8 GCSEs. That always seemed odd to me. So if dc wants a broader choice of subjects, Michaela doesn’t offer it.

No knowledge of the other school but you know your child and I’m assuming you can visit?