Hastings school praised by Ofsted for 'transformative leadership' and 'rapidly rising' student success

Ark Alexandra, which has two campuses, was rated as 'strong' for achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing under the education watchdog's new inspection framework.

The Ofsted inspectors' report said: “Leaders have made substantial improvements to all aspects of the school's work. They use robust processes to review the school's provision comprehensively, building on the school’s strengths and identifying and addressing any priorities swiftly. Leaders ensure that the high expectations that they set for teaching, pupils’ behaviour and the standards that pupils achieve are implemented consistently well.

“Leaders have created a united, highly motivated team of staff who see that pupils are rightly at the centre of leaders’ decisions and actions.

“As a result of leaders’ very effective work over recent years, pupils’ attainment in examinations at the end of Year 11 is rising rapidly. Although pupils’ results used to be well below the national average overall, they now either meet or exceed these standards. The quality of current pupils’ work, some of which is very impressive indeed, demonstrates clearly that this trend is set to continue.

“Pupils achieve very well in all of their subjects. Any gaps that pupils have in key skills and knowledge are addressed quickly and effectively by the school.”

The inspectors added that pupils took 'great pride' in their work and 'reach the high standards set by the school'.

The report said: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils make particularly positive progress through the curriculum.

“In the past, pupils' levels of attendance have been too low, including for specific groups of pupils such as pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils. At the time of the last inspection, in 2024, leaders were asked to address this. They have done so extremely successfully.

“Pupils' rates of attendance have improved continually since then because of the school’s focused actions. Leaders have implemented a number of very effective approaches. Overall, pupils’ attendance is currently above average and on an upward trajectory.”

Ofsted said Ark Alexandra has also addressed issues with pupils' behaviour 'very effectively'.

The inspectors' report said: “The vast majority of pupils behave very well indeed and have positive attitudes to school.”

Ofsted said Ark Alexandra offered a 'broad and highly ambitious curriculum' and that staff were 'experts in their subjects'.

The report added: “Leaders should continue their highly effective work to make substantial improvements to key aspects of the school, such as pupils’ achievement, so that these significant successes are sustained over time.”

Alex Birks-Agnew, headteacher of the William Parker campus, said: “This outcome reflects the dedication of the entire school community and the faith our families have placed in us. Our students are happy and thriving in a high standards environment.”

Tommy Ittu, headteacher of the Helenswood campus, said: “I am so proud of our wonderful students, staff and parents. Those who have visited the school knew we were building something special, and it’s great to have that externally validated. A big moment for the school and town, but there is certainly more to come from our students. Watch this space.”

Rhys Spiers, executive principal, said: “Two years ago we set out a bold vision to transform the landscape for secondary education in Hastings. This report marks an important milestone in that journey. We are incredibly proud of our students and staff and know this moment means a great deal to our community. A special tribute to headteachers Mr Ittu and Mr Birks-Agnew for their transformative leadership.”