Director’s Office

Chesterfield House
9 Park Lane, Wembley
Middlesex HA9 7RW

TEL 020 8937 3130

FAX 020 8937 3023
EMAIL john.christie@brent.gov.uk

CHILDREN & FAMILIES WEB www.brent.gov.uk

DIRECTOR – JOHN CHRISTIE

30 September 2008

To Year 6 Parents

Dear Parents

Secondary school admissions September 2009.

In our secondary school guide we said that Ark Academy would be opening in temporary
accommodation in September 2009 for Year 7 pupils subject to planning approval being
granted.

Last week we reviewed the building contract timetable progress and regrettably concluded that
it will not be possible to open the temporary accommodation in September 2009. We now plan
to open the Ark Academy for Year 7 pupils in September 2010 - the original opening date. I am
disappointed and sorry that we will not be able to offer Ark Academy places in 2009 as I had
hoped we would be able to do.

We have also reviewed the overall demand for places, and consider we will be able to manage
the demand, albeit without the additional choice the opening of the Ark Academy would have
provided for parents.

I am writing to you now as I felt it important to inform you at the earliest possible opportunity so
that you can state your preferences for 2009 knowing the full position. If you have already
submitted your application form and have included the Ark Academy as a preference, you will
be able to submit an additional preference in substitution for the academy preference. This can
be done by contacting the Brent School Admissions Service by email, telephone or in writing.

If you have any concerns or questions about the application process for September 2009 please
contact Brent Council School Admissions Service on 020 8937 3110 where my officers will be
happy to help and advise you.

Yours sincerely

John Christie
Director of Children & Families
 Director’s Office
Chesterfield House
9 Park Lane, Wembley
Middlesex HA9 7RW

TEL 020 8937 3130

FAX 020 8937 3023
EMAIL john.christie@brent.gov.uk

CHILDREN & FAMILIES WEB www.brent.gov.uk

DIRECTOR – JOHN CHRISTIE

30 September 2008
Dear Headteacher

Update on Ark Academy September 2009.

In our secondary school guide we said that the Ark Academy would be opening in temporary
accommodation in September 2009 for Year 7 pupils subject to planning approval being
granted.

Last week we reviewed the building contract timetable progress and regrettably concluded that
it will not be possible to open the temporary accommodation in September 2009. We now plan
to open the Ark Academy for Year 7 pupils in September 2010 - the original opening date.

I have written to all parents of Year 6 children to advice them that the Ark Academy will not be
opening to admit Year 7 pupils next September.

I am pleased to confirm that Ark Schools has appointed Delia Smith, OBE, as Principal
Designate of the Academy. Ms Smith is presently Headteacher of St Angela’s Ursuline School
in Forest Gate, Newham. St Angela’s achievements and awards for excellence have been
widely recognised and we are delighted that Ms Smith is joining the Brent family of schools.

The two reception classes of the Ark Academy have opened today in the new temporary
accommodation, and will have a further reception intake in September 2009. This is under the
headship of Jacqueline Steel, who was previously at the London Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea.

Yours sincerely,

John Christie
Director of Children and Families
Brent Council