Ark White City Primary Academy

About Ark White City Primary Academy

Ark White City Primary Academy sits in the Hammersmith and Fulham local authority, where it ranks 34th out of 35 primary schools on the key stage 2 expected standard measure. That puts it in the bottom half of schools locally, well behind the top-performing peers in the area — John Betts Primary School, St Peter's Primary School and Addison Primary School. The school is a state-funded, mixed-gender primary for children aged 3 to 11, with a nursery provision attached. It has no religious character and is led by headteacher David Williams. The most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in March 2025, confirmed that standards are being maintained at the school's overall Good rating, which it has held since its last graded inspection in 2016. That earlier graded inspection gave the school Good marks for both leadership and management and overall effectiveness, a notable improvement from its previous Inadequate rating in 2012. The early years provision, however, was rated Requires improvement in the 2016 graded inspection.

Academically, the school's key stage 2 results for 2023/24 show a mixed picture. Just 43% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well below the Hammersmith and Fulham local authority average of 76%. The school ranks 1,536th out of 1,592 primary schools in London and 11,999th nationally on this measure. Looking at individual subjects, 71% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, 59% in writing and 52% in maths. The proportion reaching the higher standard was low across the board: 16% in reading, 4% in maths, and just 2% in both writing and the combined measure. Average scores were 104 in reading and 100 in maths. The school has a high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 59%, and its capacity of 420 places is significantly underused, with only 283 pupils on roll.

The school is oversubscribed for 2025/26, with 86 applications for 46 places and 39 first-preference offers. Facilities include an ICT suite, library, forest school, art studios, music rooms, playing fields, sensory room and a chapel. Sports on offer include athletics, gymnastics, cricket, dance and tennis, while clubs range from drama and choir to chess, coding and gardening. The school has specific SEND provisions for dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 47 parents between September 2024 and September 2025 show divided opinions: 45% would recommend the school, while 55% would not. The strongest positive responses were around children doing well (68% agreed or strongly agreed) and the school communicating how children are getting on (62%). However, only 34% felt bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively, and 55% disagreed or strongly disagreed that concerns are dealt with properly. This is a school that suits families who value its broad facilities and range of clubs, but who are aware of the academic challenges and mixed parent feedback.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Ark White City Primary Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents