Ark Isaac Newton Academy

Academy · All-through, ages 4 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form

Part of ARK SCHOOLS

1 Cricklefield Place, Ilford, IG1 1FY

020 8911 6666 · School website · Map and directions

OfstedOutstandingInspected 2 October 2018; confirmed 2024
Grade 5 or above in English and maths65%England 45% · 2024/25
4th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 87% of 3,259 state secondary schools in England.
Pupils1,777Room for 1,800 Pupil numbers in January of each year: 1,554 in 2019, 1,757 in 2021, 1,754 in 2022, 1,750 in 2023, 1,751 in 2024, 1,760 in 2025, 1,777 in 2026. Across England, secondary state school pupil numbers were up 10% from 2019 to 2025.
First-choice applications per place2.2181 for 83 places, September 2026
2nd highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 99% of 3,219 state secondary schools in England.

Ofsted inspection

Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 2 October 2018.

This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.

AreaGrade
Quality of educationOutstanding
Outcomes for pupilsOutstanding
Behaviour and attitudesOutstanding
Leadership and managementOutstanding
Early yearsOutstanding
Sixth formOutstanding
SafeguardingEffective

Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 16 October 2024: Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.

Read the full Ofsted reports for this school

Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.

What parents say

148 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.

Ilford comparisons use the 5 of its 12 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 7 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.

StatementThis schoolIlfordEngland
My child is happy at this school
2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 75% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
90% 82% 89%
My child feels safe at this school
3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
86% 86% 90%
The school makes sure pupils are well behaved
1st highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 89% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
93% 85% 84%
Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 76 parents whose child had been bullied
2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
55% 50% 51%
Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 113 parents who had raised a concern
2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 48% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
70% 66% 76%
My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 27 parents of children with SEND
2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Redbridge.
Higher than 30% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
52% – 68%
I would recommend this school to another parent
3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ilford.
Higher than 58% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England.
83%said yes 78% 84%

Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 8%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Ilford figures pool parents at the Ilford schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.

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Results

Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25

90 pupils in this year group.

92% — 17 points above the Redbridge average, and 30 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths 92% 75% 62%
Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths 32% 16% 8%
Met the expected standard in reading 94% 82% 75%
Met the expected standard in writing 96% 84% 72%
Met the expected standard in maths 96% 84% 74%
Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. 111 108 106
Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. 111 108 105
Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, over time
50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% England 2022/23: 60%England 2023/24: 61%England 2024/25: 62% This school 2022/23: 86%This school 2023/24: 86%This school 2024/25: 92% This school England 62% 2022/23 86% 2023/24 86% 2024/25 92%

Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25

175 pupils in this year group.

65% — 5 points above the Redbridge average, and 19 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Grade 5 or above in English and maths 65% 60% 45%
Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. 56.7 53.9 46.1
EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. 5.4 5.0 4.1
Grade 5 or above in English and maths, over time
40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% England 2022/23: 45%England 2023/24: 46%England 2024/25: 45% This school 2022/23: 73%This school 2023/24: 75%This school 2024/25: 65% This school England 45% 2022/23 73% 2023/24 75% 2024/25 65%

Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.

Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After Year 11

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

178 pupils in this year group.

92% — 3 points below the Redbridge average, and about the same as the England average.

Where pupils went after Year 11
This school 69%13%
England 34%13%37%
MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. 92% 95% 92%
School sixth form 69% 70% 34%
Sixth form college 8% 4% 13%
Further education college 13% 19% 37%
Apprenticeship 1% – 3%
Work 1% – 3%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
98%92%

Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25

88 A level students in this year group.

MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Average A level grade B+ C+ B-
A level exams graded A* or A 38% 24% 26%
A level exams graded A* to B 78% 51% 53%
Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. 41.7 34.4 35
Average points per A level entry, over time
30 35 40 45 England 2022/23: 34.2England 2023/24: 34.4England 2024/25: 35 This school 2022/23: 33.4This school 2023/24: 38.2This school 2024/25: 41.7 This school England 35 2022/23 33.4 2023/24 38.2 2024/25 41.7

A level subjects, 2024/25

13 subjects, 274 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.

SubjectExamsA*A* or AEngland A* or A
Mathematics 47 19% 45% 40%
Economics 45 9% 38% 26%
Psychology 28 21% 39% 19%
Chemistry 25 4% 24% 30%
Biology 22 5% 23% 27%
Sociology 22 5% 41% 20%
Government and Politics 20 5% 45% 26%
English Literature 16 6% 31% 23%
Mathematics (Further) 12 25% 58% 59%
Physics 12 17% 42% 31%
Computer Studies / Computing 10 0% 50% 24%
History 9 11% 33% 23%
Music 6 0% 0% 29%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.

Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.

After sixth form

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

115 students in this year group.

90% — 4 points above the Redbridge average, and 11 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. 90% 86% 79%
Apprenticeship 5% 5% 7%
Work 6% 10% 28%

Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time

2023/242024/25
90%90%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Going on to university

Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.

109 students in this year group.

77% — 6 points below the Redbridge average, and 17 points above the England average.

MeasureThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Went on to a degree or other higher education 77% 83% 60%
Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. 42% 27% 19%

Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time

2023/242024/25
92%77%

Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.

Admissions

Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Redbridge. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.

How hard is it to get in (Year 7)?

For the September 2026 intake there were about 2 first-choice applications for every place.

Places offered83
Families who put it first181
Of those, offered a place61 (34%)
Families who listed it at all991

First-choice applications per place: 2024: 2.7 · 2025: 2.5 · 2026: 2.2

This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.

How hard is it to get in (Reception)?

For the September 2026 intake there were about 1 first-choice applications for every place.

Places offered90
Families who put it first106
Of those, offered a place82 (77%)
Families who listed it at all320

First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.4 · 2025: 1.2 · 2026: 1.2

This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.

Admissions dates and schools in Redbridge

Pupils, staff and SEND

PupilsThis schoolRedbridgeEngland
Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years
2nd highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 62% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
31.9% 23.0%* 28.9%
With an education, health and care plan
5th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 56% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
3.2% 2.7%* 3.1%
Receiving special educational needs support
4th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 23% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
10.2% 10.8%* 13.4%
English as an additional language
8th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 90% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England.
46.2% 52.4%* 19.2%
Overall absence (sessions missed)
1st lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Lower than 97% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
4.4% 6.6%* 8.4%
Persistently absent (missed 10% or more)
1st lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Lower than 98% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England.
7.9% 18.5%* 23.4%
Suspensions per 100 pupils
2nd lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Lower than 90% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
3.0 6.4 21.2
Pupils suspended at least once
2nd lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Lower than 90% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
2.0% 4.2% 7.3%
Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils 0.00% 0.08% 0.23%
Pupils per teacher
7th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 43% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England.
16.5 17.2 16.7
Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff)
3rd highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 83% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England.
13.5 12.5 11.8
Teachers who left during the year
4th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Ilford.
Higher than 83% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England.
21.0% 16.7%* 14.2%*

Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.

Nearby secondary schools

Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.

Questions parents ask

What is Ark Isaac Newton Academy's Ofsted rating?

Ark Isaac Newton Academy was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 2 October 2018. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 16 October 2024, Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.

How did Ark Isaac Newton Academy do in its GCSEs?

In 2024/25, 65% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 19 points above the England average of 45%.

Would parents recommend Ark Isaac Newton Academy?

83% of the 148 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Ark Isaac Newton Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.

Is Ark Isaac Newton Academy oversubscribed?

For the September 2026 intake, 181 families put Ark Isaac Newton Academy as their first choice for 83 places: about 2 first-choice applications for every place. 61 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.

Sources

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Page updated 26 September 2026.