Ark Blake Academy
65%
Capacity
782
Pupils
2.6x
Demand
About Ark Blake Academy
Ark Blake Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 782 pupils on roll, operating at 65% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Ark Blake Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sam Rispoli, it falls under Croydon local authority.
Ark Blake Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 416 applications for 157 places, making it 2.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 117 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Blake Academy include Swimming Pool, Library, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Hockey, Tennis, Gymnastics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, DofE, Drama, Art Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 46.1%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Croydon, Ark Blake Academy is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 6 Morland Road, Croydon, Croydon, CR0 6NA |
| Headteacher | Sam Rispoli |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 782 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 46.1% |
| School Capacity | 782 / 1,200 (65% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 26 Apr 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed157
416
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
117 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Blake Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
6 Morland Road, Croydon
Croydon, CR0 6NA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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