Ark Walworth Academy
81%
Capacity
971
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About Ark Walworth Academy
Ark Walworth Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Southwark community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 971 pupils on roll and is well-filled (81% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Ark Walworth Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jessica West, it falls under Southwark local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.18 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1123rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 19 in Southwark.
Ark Walworth Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 392 applications for 125 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 91 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Walworth Academy include Library, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Theatre, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Basketball, Netball, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Model UN, Choir and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 68.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Southwark, Ark Walworth 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Shorncliffe Road, London, Southwark, SE1 5UJ |
| Headteacher | Jessica West |
| Local Authority | Southwark |
| Number of Pupils | 971 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 68.6% |
| School Capacity | 971 / 1,200 (81% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (3 Nov 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 17 Nov 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.18)
1123rd of 3,141
Nationally
294th of 487
In London
16th of 19
In Southwark
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
31.9
'22/23
34.8
'23/24
33.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed125
392
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
91 families put this school as their 1st choice (23% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Walworth 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
Shorncliffe Road, London
Southwark, SE1 5UJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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