Welcome to Ark Franklin

Hello and welcome to Ark Franklin Primary Academy. We are a 3-form entry school committed to serving our diverse population here in Kensal Rise. Ark Franklin is proudly part of the Ark network of schools and prides itself on having the highest possible expectations for every single child.  

Our name honours Rosalind Franklin. Born locally in 1920, she overcame adversity to play a key role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Our DNA walkways running adjacent to the key stage one playground leading to our garden, and in our front entrance, commemorate her outstanding achievement. 

The mission for our school is clear and shared by all:  

To provide every pupil – regardless of the barriers they face - with a complete education of the very highest standard that ensures that they can have the opportunity to go on to university or pursue the career of their choice, as well as live fulfilling and happy lives.  

At Franklin, we believe strongly in a warm and positive climate for learning, established through high quality relationships between adults and children – we ensure that we know every child and what makes them unique. Pupils at Ark Franklin receive a high quality education thanks to our pursuit of excellence, high expectations and an “always learning” attitude among all staff, who prioritise their professional development so that we can give our best to the children.  

Our curriculum is wide and varied. Beyond a focus on the core skills of reading, writing and maths, pupils take part in a broad and rigorous curriculum. We are proud to offer Outdoor Learning as part of our curriculum, as well as specialist teaching in Art, Spanish, PE and Music to all children, every week. Our teaching encourages children to interact, speak and share – we learn best when we learn from each other.  

Our culture is rooted in inclusion, tolerance and respect for all. Ark Franklin pupils are characterised by their politeness, their curiosity and their determination to succeed. High academic standards are achieved at Ark Franklin, regardless of barriers faced by children, and we believe in equity of opportunity for all.  

We are all very proud of our school and we hope that you will be too. 

Our mission is to provide every pupil – regardless of the barriers they face - with a complete education of the very highest standard that ensures that they can have the opportunity to go on to university or pursue the career of their choice, as well as live fulfilling and happy lives.  

At Ark Franklin, we will achieve our mission together, by working towards our common vision for the school. We want our school to be:  

• Inclusive, nurturing and supportive - where barriers to success are overcome  

• Ambitious and aspirational, with the very highest expectations of all children  

• Rigorous - characterised by high expectations of each other   

• Lively with the buzz of activity, calm in the classes and corridors    

• Joyful, safe and happy – for children, adults, families and the community as a whole  

We achieve this by always remembering our core values, known as our ARISE values, and known well by everyone in the school. We remember that when we falter or fall, we will always ARISE stronger.  

• Achievement – We strive for excellence in everything we do
• Respect – We are polite and show tolerance toward others
• Integrity – We look to ourselves and make good choices
• Support – We help other people and work together to achieve more
• Effort – We do our best and never give up