SchoolScoresArk King Solomon Academy
Academy · All-through, ages 2 to 18 · Mixed · Nursery class · Sixth form
Part of ARK SCHOOLS
Penfold Street, London, NW1 6RX
020 7563 6900 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 5 December 2023.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Early years | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
89 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Westminster 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.
| Statement | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 4th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 83% | 89% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 4th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 43% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 84% | 91% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 4th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81% | 89% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 41 parents whose child had been bullied 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 62% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 54% | 50% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 74 parents who had raised a concern Joint 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 65% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76% | 77% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Westminster. Higher than 50% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 80%said yes | 88% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. 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. Westminster figures pool parents at the Westminster 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.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
83 pupils in this year group.
73% — about the same as the Westminster average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 73% | 72% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 4% | 13% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 81% | 84% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 75% | 77% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 80% | 83% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 106 | 107 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 104 | 107 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
101 pupils in this year group.
58% — about the same as the Westminster average, and 13 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 58% | 58% | 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. | 51.3 | 53.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
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.
65 pupils in this year group.
95% — about the same as the Westminster average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 95% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 74% | 64% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 5% | 7% | 13% |
| Further education college | 12% | 19% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 0% | – | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 1% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 97% | 95% |
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
49 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 33% | 36% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 60% | 67% | 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. | 36.7 | 37.9 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
12 subjects, 136 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 27 | 7% | 44% | 40% |
| Psychology | 19 | 11% | 26% | 19% |
| Biology | 15 | 7% | 33% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 15 | 7% | 20% | 30% |
| Economics | 14 | 0% | 29% | 26% |
| English Literature | 13 | 23% | 46% | 23% |
| History | 9 | 0% | 33% | 23% |
| Physics | 8 | 0% | 13% | 31% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Government and Politics, Mathematics (Further), French, Geography.
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.
74 students in this year group.
95% — 19 points above the Westminster average, and 16 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 95% | 76% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 3% | 7% |
| Work | 8% | 19% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 93% | 95% |
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.
68 students in this year group.
88% — 14 points above the Westminster average, and 28 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 88% | 74% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 49% | 30% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 98% | 88% |
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 Westminster. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 84 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 78 |
| Of those, offered a place | 78 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 158 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 0.9
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.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Westminster | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 1st highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 99% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 64.4% | 45.8%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 9th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 30% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.1% | 2.9%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 1st highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 82% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.7% | 11.8%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 97% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 64.7% | 48.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 5th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Westminster. Lower than 66% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.4% | 7.7%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 5th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Westminster. Lower than 63% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 20.8% | 23.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 8th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Lower than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.1 | 12.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 6th lowest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Lower than 44% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 7.5% | 7.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 6th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 18% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.1 | 15.1 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 11th highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 8% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 9.5 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 3rd highest of 12 state secondary schools in Westminster. Higher than 92% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 26.3% | 18.1%* | 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
- ICS London 0.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Marylebone Academy 0.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2022 · 59% grade 5+ English and maths
- Sylvia Young Theatre School 0.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Francis Holland School 0.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 57% A*/A at A level
- Wetherby Preparatory School 0.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Halcyon London International School 0.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- The St Marylebone CofE School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 67% grade 5+ English and maths
- Wetherby Senior School 0.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 42% A*/A at A level
- Arnold House School 0.9 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Queen's College, London 1.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 51% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Ark King Solomon Academy's Ofsted rating?
Ark King Solomon Academy was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 5 December 2023.
How did Ark King Solomon Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 58% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 13 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Ark King Solomon Academy?
80% of the 89 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend Ark King Solomon Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Ark King Solomon Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 78 families put Ark King Solomon Academy as their first choice for 84 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 78 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 135242.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.