THE first Year 7 students started at Ark Soane Academy, a new non-selective school in Acton last month. 

The opening phase of the school’s buildings is complete and principal Matt Neuberger said he was proud of the way students had settled in. 

A total of 178 students joined the new school in September, including Hudayfah Malik and Retadj Amrane.  

Hudayfah said: “We are being well prepared to go on to the best universities like Oxford and Cambridge. I love being a founding student.” 

Retadj added: “Ark Soane Academy may be strict, but it is nice! I chose it because of its outstanding lessons and discipline.” 

The second phase of the school’s construction is due for completion by the start of next academic year (2022/23) and will include nine science labs and four DT workshops as well as a sports hall and Astro pitch. 

Once completed, the school will occupy the first three floors of a six to 12-storey building, with 113 apartments located above, with segregated access.