An academy in Southwark has been hailed as a "home from home" and a "wholly inclusive" environment by Ofsted inspectors.
Ark Globe Academy is an all-through school in Harper Road, Southwark, teaching children and young people aged four to 18. Part of the Ark Schools multi-academy trust, the school has around 1,275 pupils and serves a diverse local community.
The school, led by executive principal Matt Jones OBE, places a strong emphasis on inclusion, academic achievement and preparing pupils for future education and careers.
Following an inspection on May 6, 2026, Ofsted judged Ark Globe Academy to be Exceptional in four areas – Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Wellbeing, and Post-16 Provision.
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Under Ofsted's new inspection framework, the school was also rated Strong Standard for Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, and Early Years.
Inspectors further praised leaders for work that "transforms pupils' lives". They found that the academy has created a highly inclusive environment where barriers to learning are identified quickly and support is put in place to help pupils succeed.
They noted that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive carefully tailored support and that disadvantaged pupils are given access to opportunities, including trips, clubs and career pathways, that might otherwise be out of reach.
Ofsted said leaders' work has a significant impact on pupils' futures and aspirations. "The work that leaders do transforms pupils' lives," inspectors wrote:
Inspectors praised school leaders for having an in-depth understanding of the academy's strengths and areas for development.
They noted that staff feel well supported in terms of workload and wellbeing, while teachers benefit from training programmes designed to help them rapidly develop their expertise.
Inspectors wrote: "Leaders see the school as the heart of the community. They work tirelessly to bring the community into the school."
Ofsted highlighted personal development as a major strength of the school and found that leaders work hard to ensure pupils are prepared for life beyond the classroom.
They noted that pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, communication skills and ambition through a wide range of experiences, while all students can access enrichment activities regardless of their financial circumstances.
The report also praised the school's careers programme and pastoral support. "Personal development and pupil wellbeing are at the heart of all that occurs at this school," it said.
Inspectors noted that pupils achieve highly across the school, with outcomes in national assessments comparing favourably with those of pupils nationally.
They found leaders have been successful in ensuring pupils build strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics while quickly addressing gaps in understanding when they arise.
Inspectors wrote: "Pupils do considerably better in national tests and assessments than their peers nationwide."
Ofsted shared how pupils benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum, with teachers using effective strategies to identify and address gaps in learning. Reading and phonics were highlighted as particular strengths.
Inspectors wrote: "Leaders have planned a thorough curriculum that prepares pupils to be successful in the next stage of their education."
They found children in the early years are happy, learn well and enjoy a strong start to their education, with a particular focus on language development and reading.
Inspectors added: "Children are happy to come to school each day and enjoy the learning experiences that they take part in."
Ofsted painted a particularly positive picture of life at the academy, describing pupils as happy, ambitious and proud of their school. They found pupils feel safe, enjoy learning and benefit from extensive opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Executive principal Matt Jones OBE said: "We are thrilled that Ofsted has recognised the incredible work of all our staff, pupils and families.
"At Ark Globe, we are committed to creating a school where every child feels they belong and can thrive, so it is particularly meaningful to see inspectors describe the school as a 'home from home'.
"We are especially proud of the transformational impact highlighted for our pupils, including those with additional needs, and of the strong culture of inclusion and ambition that runs through everything we do."
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