From its unassuming position on Shooters Hill Road Ark Greenwich Free School stands as a testament to educational ambition. This wasn’t always so. Ark Greenwich Free School opened in 2012. It began as Greenwich Free School. Its initial intake was 11-year-olds. The school grew adding year groups annually. It aimed to become a full secondary school with a sixth form.
The school’s early years weren’t without challenges. Its first headteacher resigned in 2013. An Ofsted inspection in 2014 highlighted areas needing improvement. Specifically teaching lower-ability pupils needed attention. Changes were implemented. A new headteacher Oliver Knight was appointed. By 2016 Ofsted judged the school to be ‘Good’.
In 2018 a significant shift occurred. The founders Jonathan Simons and Tom Shinner relinquished control. They transferred the school to the larger Ark multi-academy trust. Hence the name change to Ark Greenwich Free School. This decision was driven by the increasing demands placed on governors and trustees.
Ark Greenwich Free School operates under a unique admissions system. It uses Greenwich’s Fair Banding System. This system places students into five bands based on primary school test scores. The school allocates 20% of places per band. If there are more applications than places those nearest to the school are prioritized.
The school’s daily schedule underwent a transformation. From an extended day it transitioned to a more conventional timetable. This runs from 8:05 am to 3:30 pm. Extra hours were added on Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This aligns with other Greenwich schools. Ark Greenwich Free School maintains a strict discipline policy. Mobile phones and sweets are banned on the premises.
Today Ark Greenwich Free School continues to evolve. It stands as a beacon of education in the Greenwich community. It strives for excellence adapting and improving based on past experiences. It serves as a reminder that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to remarkable success. Its journey reflects dedication and commitment to providing a quality education.