Ark Alexandra Academy in Hastings has been shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year at the prestigious Education Today Awards 2026.
Ark Alexandra Academy shortlisted for national Secondary School of the Year award
The Education Today Awards celebrate excellence across the education sector, recognising schools, trusts and individuals making a significant impact on the lives of young people. Ark Alexandra is one of just a handful of schools nationally selected in the Secondary School of the Year category.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in December.
Executive Principal Rhys Spiers said:
“We are thrilled to be shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year. This is fantastic recognition for both the school and the wider Hastings community.
“Our staff and students work incredibly hard every day, and this reflects their dedication, ambition and belief in what our young people can achieve.”
The shortlisting follows a significant year of progress and achievement for Ark Alexandra Academy.
The academy celebrated its strongest GCSE results in its history this summer, with the proportion of students achieving a pass in both English and maths rising from 49% in 2023 to 70% in 2026 — an increase of 21 percentage points.
In June, the academy was rated Strong in all categories by Ofsted, with inspectors recognising the school’s rapid improvement, ambitious curriculum and focus on supporting vulnerable pupils.
Ark Alexandra also won the Outstanding Progress (Secondary) category at the Education Business Awards 2026, recognising its academic achievements, positive impact and contribution to the wider education sector.
The wider Ark network was also named Large Multi-Academy Trust of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026.
The Secondary School of the Year shortlisting provides further national recognition of the progress made at Ark Alexandra and the work of its staff and students in raising aspirations and outcomes for young people in Hastings.
The academy will now look forward to the Education Today Awards ceremony in London in December, when the winner will be announced.