Ark Oval Primary Academy
95%
Capacity
601
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Ark Oval Primary Academy
Ark Oval Primary Academy is a state-funded None primary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 601 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 630 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Ark Oval Primary Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Pavan Chandhoke, it falls under Croydon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 67% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 5457th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 44th out of 77 in Croydon.
Ark Oval Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 266 applications for 88 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 75 were first-preference applications.
Ark Oval Primary Academy has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (1.7/5 from 11 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 64% recommending the school (47 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Oval Primary Academy include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Library, Outdoor Playground.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Athletics, Dance, Swimming and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Gardening, Eco Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.8%, which is above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Croydon, Ark Oval Primary 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 98 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, Croydon, CR0 6BA |
| Headteacher | Pavan Chandhoke |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 601 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.8% |
| School Capacity | 601 / 630 (95% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (67%)
5457th of 13,686
Nationally
963rd of 1,592
In London
44th of 77
In Croydon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
67%
Expected Standard
12%
Higher Standard
'22/23
64%
'23/24
67%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
47 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed88
266
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
75 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 Oval Primary Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
98 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon
Croydon, CR0 6BA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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