"Since starting at Ark Putney in September 2018 I've had what I'd call a colourful 15 months! I was initially attracted to the ATT programme because it enabled me to begin teaching straight away and have ownership over my classes. This responsibility from Day 1 is not without challenges, but the support at APA has been brilliant and I have been learning (and, hopefully, improving) every day. The freedom to teach independently has been balanced with regular line management advice, individual coaching, group CPD sessions and lots of constructive and actionable feedback which continues to be of huge support. Meeting up weekly with Ark trainees from other schools during my first year was always insightful to develop good practice (and share our humorous tales of woe) to ensure we were continually reflecting and progressing. The commitment from both staff and students at APA is inspiring; no one day is the same and there is never a dull moment!" Hannah Greason 

"you simply can’t fault the support you receive at APA. Staff will always make time to help you, I can’t speak for everyone but my mentor goes above and beyond in ensuring my training year goes as smoothly as possible and is someone I can always count on" Duncan Rees

Are you a talented teacher looking to take the next step in your career?  You should work at Ark Putney Academy – and here are seven reasons why: 

1) The beginning of an exciting new chapter

Last year we completed a major £30 million refurbishment; this completely transformed our community for both pupils and teachers. We unveiled our exceptional sports facilities –including a new four-court sports hall, an activity studio for classes such as boxing and dance, and a state of the art 3G Astroturf pitch. We are also installing an outdoor gym, to be completed in November 2017. Our brand new art space on the top floor has panoramic views of London, and our bright and spacious corridors and classrooms create a fresh and uplifting learning environment. Principal Alison Downey says, ‘a positive school environment is so important– and, now we have completed this project, our teaching and learning environment is truly exceptional.’

2) We are constantly improving

We’ve been celebrating a successful year so far with strong GCSE results that place Ark Putney in the top 20% nationally for progress and ahead of other schools in the local area. This reflects our excellent teaching and the dedication of our staff both to the students and each other. In Agust 2017 one third of our A-Level entries were graded A*-A. Our students consistently recieve offers from top institutions, in the last 5 years, 3 students have received university offers from Oxford and Cambridge. These reflect just some of the school’s successes that led Ofsted to award Ark Putney an overall 'Good' rating in April 2017.

3) Be part of a real community

We have a proud history serving the local community, before joining the Ark network in 2012 the school was known as Elliot school and was an important part of the local community for many years. We recognise that students need more than just academic excellence to achieve, we pride ourselves on developing our students outside of the classroom, giving them the skills and opportunities they need to build strong foundations for their future. We encourage students and staff to be an active member of both our school and local community.

4) Continue to develop throughout your career

We recognise that to achieve great things, we need great people. That’s why we will help you to be the very best that you can be, throughout your entire career. We offer twice the standard number of training days – including our network-wide ‘Hub Days’ where peers join together to learn and share best practice. There are also opportunities for online training and bespoke learning and mentoring programmes.

If you're ambitious, we offer The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) which identifies teachers with leadership potential, and helps them develop the skills they need to become a great head or principal. 

Ark currently has 31 schools across London, Birmingham, Hastings and Portsmouth (and we are always growing!) so when the time comes for you to move on, there are plenty of opportunities across the network.

 

5) You won't be bored. Ever. 

We know that an excellent education means more than just great exam results. It means building pupils’ resilience and character, helping them to be ready for the world. We encourage pupils from different Ark schools to come together and enjoy a wide variety of enrichment events, and that means opportunities for teachers to participate as well. We have spelling bees, debating contests, sports days and maths 'wrangles,' and it all culminates in the Ark Music Gala, a huge event held at a world famous venue where dozens of schools and hundreds of students perform pieces ranging from Adele to Beethoven. See for yourself:

 

    

6) Be part of something bigger

Ark Putney is part of the Ark network, a non-profit organisation that believes that every child should have the very best start in life, regardless of background, so when the time comes; they are able to go onto university on into the career of their choice.

Our approach is guided by our six pillars and it is working. Schools in the Ark network have achieved some of the best results in the country.

7) It's all about the kids. 

You probably guessed that this would be the final reason to become a teacher at an Ark school. But it's true. Ofsted recognise our commitment to our students, ‘relationships between teachers and students are good and this gives students confidence that staff want them to succeed.’

 

 

Here's some extras....

  • Commitment to wellbeing including weekly subsidised or free yoga and other activities
  • Marking day
  • Report writing day
  • Co-planning and CPD
  • Staff events including socials, pub quizes, crazy golf, bounce and Friday sports 
  • Staff voice: a confidential service run by staff feeding straight into SLT to action change and improvements
  • Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
  • Free counselling service with up to 6 sessions
  • Buddy system for all new staff
  • A hugely fun, diverse team who always strive to support each other 

Join us!