Parent Updates

As we reach the halfway point of the academic year, it has been a week to reflect on the progress we have made towards our priorities for 2025-26. We had a monitoring visit from the Ark leadership team last week, which noted the significant improvement journey the school has been on over the last two years. Descriptions of the improvement in teaching, attendance and behaviour are always great to hear. However, more importantly to me, the monitoring team also commented on the culture in the school. My favourite quotation came from the Ark Director of Standards and Performance, who said: “The school feels like a united team, with everyone pulling in the same direction – there is a real family feel. The culture is one of support – students are loved, and staff take time to know every child”. 

That is the school I am proud to lead, and the one I look forward to welcoming your children back into after a well-deserved half term break. 

Enjoy the beginning of Ramadhan – we look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday 23rd February.

Mr L Cole, Principal

To help all pupils to prepare for the second half of the Spring term, we have set specific independent study (homework) tasks for each Year Group. Please read the Half-term independent study letter here for details. Pupils have also been given a paper copy of the letter to bring home from school. 

Year 10 pupils will sit mock GCSE exams during the week commencing Monday 23rd February. To help them to prepare, targeted classes are invited to take part in GCSE Maths sessions at school during the half-term break. Specific information has been shared with the relevant pupils and their parents / carers by email. 

On Friday 13th February, school is closed to all pupils for staff training, except for Year 11s who study GCSE Drama. 

Year 11 Drama pupils are expected in the academy for 9.00am to complete their actual GCSE Drama Exam (Component 2 Performance). It is very important that your child arrives on time as the exam board will be present to assess your child's work for their final performance exam.

Parents / carers of relevant pupils have been contacted directly to confirm arrangements.  

We look forward to welcoming all pupils back after the half-term break on Monday 23rd February. Breakfast Club is open from 7.30am and main gates open at 8.10am as usual. 

Every year, Ark gives parents the opportunity to share their views about their child’s education journey and Ark Boulton Academy.

After the half-term break, a link to an online survey will be shared with all parents. Survey responses are anonymous but we would be grateful if as many parents as possible completed the survey, as the more feedback we receive, the more positive change can be made. 

Remember that you can contact us at any time to discuss your child’s progress or resolve any issues that may arise. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution. 

• School is closed to pupils (except Year 11 Drama pupils) for staff training on Friday 13th February.
• Spring Term 2 begins on Monday 23rd February 2026. Gates open at 8.10am as usual. 
• Year 11 Period 7 lessons will recommence on Monday 2nd March.  

Please click here to see our full Calendar, and here for Term Dates.