We are Arden ACADEMY
“Pupils
and staff speak about the ‘Arden family’ – where no one is left out. The positive relationships between staff and pupils are a joy to observe.”
Ofsted 2022
We are Arden
Welcome
to Arden
Arden is more than just a school. We are an aspirational and caring community where every student is valued and supported.
Our school is a remarkable place to learn and develop. The feeling of the Arden Family is evident in all aspects of school life as students, staff, and parents work together to ensure each student has every opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Our core values – Aspiration, Resilience, and Belonging embody our school. These values are woven into everything we do: we aim high in all that we pursue; we never give up when faced with challenges; we stand together, united by a strong sense of community and care.
We are a highly academic school, our students achieve excellent academic outcomes and we are immensely proud of their achievements. These are, after all, the keys to the doors of
their futures. This academic success is a key aspect of the Arden experience, which is, an education in its widest sense, an education that develops the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally – preparing them not only for exams, but for life.
Students at Arden have a vast array of opportunities to take part in clubs, visits and experiences outside of the classroom, all of which helps them shape their aspirations for their future. With high expectations and unwavering support, Arden is a truly unique and exceptional environment for all our students.
Mr Warwood Associate Headteacher
A culture of excellence underpins both our teaching and our students’ learning experiences.
We believe every student, regardless of background or prior achievement, deserves high-quality and intellectually challenging lessons every day. We work in partnership with parents to ensure our students understand the huge importance of their education.
Our teachers hold high aspirations for every student. They foster resilience, encourage risk-taking, and support learning both in class and at home. Mistakes in learning are seen as opportunities to grow.
Our inclusive classrooms are purposeful, engaging, and enable students to often exceed their highly ambitious targets. Lessons challenge and support every learner. Whether mastering a skill or developing written work, we adapt our teaching to help students understand the steps to success. Home learning plays a key part in our students overall learning experience.
Learning at Arden
We empower students to take ownership of their learning. Our Learning PRIDE values: Participation, Respect, Independence, Determination, and Energy, are visible in every lesson. They shape how our students learn and who they become.
At Arden, we teach with purpose, inspire with passion, and believe in every learner.
“Teachers teach individuals, not classes.”
Ofsted 2022
“Staff want pupils to thrive and achieve strong academic outcomes.”
Inspiring Curriculum
Ofsted 2022
Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious; it is designed to help every student thrive.
Arden offers a rich mix of academic, creative and vocational pathways that support individual strengths and aspirations.
In Years 7 to 9, students study a wide range of subjects including sciences, humanities, arts, languages and technology. This broad foundation builds essential knowledge, sparks curiosity and helps students discover their passions.
At Key Stage 4, students choose from a wide selection of GCSEs and vocational qualifications. With personalised guidance from experienced staff, each learner builds a pathway that suits their goals.
Strong outcomes at Key Stage 4 open doors to our academically focused Sixth Form. Here, students can choose from an extensive range of A Levels, preparing them for university, higher apprenticeships or the world of work.
Arden is known for combining its caring ethos and academic ambition which is why students, staff and families often speak of the strong sense of belonging.
Arden Values
Our core values are Aspiration – we aim high; Resilience – we never give up; Belonging – we stand together.
Our values guide every aspect of life at Arden. We encourage our students to live by our motto, Ad Altiora, by aiming high, believing in themselves, and pursuing their ambitions with confidence. We teach them that success requires effort, and that with resilience, determination, and the right support, they can overcome challenges and grow through every experience.
Equally important is our sense of belonging. Arden is a community where every student is known, valued and supported. We celebrate diversity, promote kindness, and ensure every child feels safe, seen and part of something bigger. This sense of belonging helps students build confidence and feel secure enough to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
Our values are not just words – they are put into practice every day. They guide how we teach, how we support, and how we help students grow into thoughtful, capable young people. When we talk about personal development at Arden, we mean the whole child: the learner in the classroom; the teammate on the field; the friend in the corridor; and the future citizen of the world.
We aim high. We never give up. We stand together.
“There is a tangible feeling of students enjoying being here. They are a credit to the school regardless of ability or age.”
School Improvement Partner 2025
“Students are friendly, courteous and welcoming.”
Ofsted 2022
Learning Environment
Arden is a safe, respectful, and ambitious school.
We support our students so they can thrive.
We believe students flourish when they feel safe, valued and supported. That’s why we place great emphasis on excellent behaviour, courtesy, attendance, and wellbeing; they are the essential foundations for both academic achievement and personal growth. Our expectations are clear and consistent: students are encouraged to be respectful and take responsibility for their actions. This fosters a calm, purposeful atmosphere where learning is enabled and progress made.
Excellent attendance is crucial. Students who attend regularly achieve more, both in and beyond the classroom. We set ambitious targets and work closely with families to remove barriers, because every lesson counts.
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated pastoral team, mental health leads, and safeguarding staff ensure every child is supported. We want our students to grow in confidence, be healthy, and prepared for life beyond school.
Personal Development
students to leave us as confident, curious, and compassionate individuals, ready for the future.
From Year 7, we support students’ growth academically, emotionally, socially, and morally. Our extensive co-curricular programme offers something for everyone, covering sports, performing arts, community action and academic enrichment. These experiences build confidence, leadership, resilience and form lasting memories.
We also offer a wide range of trips and visits, both in the UK and abroad, which broaden students’ horizons and deepen their understanding of the world.
Our structured personal development curriculum covers vital topics such as mental health, online safety, relationships, financial literacy, and global citizenship. It equips students with the tools to lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Careers education begins in Year 7 and grows each year, offering employer encounters, workplace visits, and tailored guidance. Whether students choose university, apprenticeships, or employment, we ensure they are prepared and ambitious.
“Arden’s ethos is characterised by a commitment to inclusivity, high standards, and personal development, ensuring students leave as well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges. It is a very special place.”
Sixth
Form
Arden Sixth Form offers academic excellence, personal growth, and enables our students to be successful in life beyond school.
Arden Sixth Form is the natural next step for many of our students—a vibrant, supportive environment where individuals are known, challenged, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
We offer a wide range of A Levels, allowing students to tailor their studies to future ambitions. Our expert teachers deliver a high-quality academic curriculum, combining deep subject knowledge with personalised support. Lessons are challenging yet accessible, and our strong culture of feedback and student response helps students master their subjects and achieve excellent results.
Our students progress to top universities, prestigious apprenticeships, and skilled employment, equipped with confidence and capability.
“I valued literally EVERYTHING! Not just saying this –Sixth Form is great and has all the support and guidance that I’ve needed. Everyone is so nice and helpful!”
Leavers’ survey response 2024
Sixth Form at Arden nurtures personal growth. Students take on leadership roles, mentor younger peers, and contribute meaningfully to school life. Our dedicated pastoral system and personal development programme prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of adult life.
Through our Futures programme, students explore career pathways and develop the skills needed for success beyond school.
Sixth Formers leave Arden well-qualified, confident, compassionate, and ready for their futures.
Arden Multi Academy Trust
Mr D Burgess Executive Headteacher
Mr M Murphy CEO
We are proud to be part of the Arden Multi Academy Trust (AMAT), and work closely with our partner schools to share best practice and deliver exceptional education. The trust drives ongoing improvement through rigorous quality assurance and ongoing professional development for staff. Our partnership with our Trust schools promotes many exciting opportunities for us to collaborate and learn from each other. This happens at both staff and student level.
Being part of Arden Multi Academy Trust helps to ensure that we continually develop, always strive to be better and enables us to share ideas and best practice.
Arden Multi Academy Trust truly values the success of every child.
Senior Students across our Trust schools meet to collaborate and to share their experiences. Through this process our students further their school thoughts, ideas and suggestions of how we can become even better. The experiences of the Student Conferences enable our students to gain a wider perspective of education and to share their experiences with our own staff, actively contributing to school improvement.
Arden Multi Academy Trust has a culture of high aspiration, the strategy set at Trust level guides the Arden development and ensures that we are able to meet the Trust and school aim of delivering excellent education at the heart of our local community.