Ofsted Report

Ofsted are the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They report directly to Parliament and are independent and impartial. They inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

Abbey Park School academised in October 2018 and was last inspected in January 2023 and achieved a Good rating in all categories.

The school has been praised for its ‘ambitious’ vision, ‘positive’ behaviour in lessons, and its ‘careful consideration’ of the personal, social, health and citizenship education curriculum.

Inspectors found that parents have welcomed the significant improvements made at the school since it joined The Park Academies Trust.

The school’s broad and ambitious curriculum was highlighted in the report with a focus on ensuring pupils are well-prepared for the future, with a well-planned programme of careers education.

The school’s new ‘Abbey Park Proud’ vision has set high expectations for pupils, and the inspectors reported that most pupils understand the raised expectations and as a result, pupils’ behaviour in lessons is “positive and focused” and that “behaviour during breaktimes is purposeful and calm.”

Mental health and well-being are also priorities and the Ofsted report found that pupils feel safe and supported with staff making sure pupils learn how to keep themselves safe, both online and in the community.

Commenting on the report, CEO of The Park Academies Trust, Benedick Ashmore-Short said: “We are thrilled to receive this ‘Good’ rating and are proud of the dedication and hard work of our pupils, staff and governors. We are committed to continuing to provide a high-quality education to all our pupils and will continue to make improvements and set expectations which allow all our pupils to thrive and excel.”

Abbey Park School Principal Jon Young said: ”It’s really rewarding for all of us at Abbey Park to see the inspectors praise the ambitions, high expectations and achievements of our pupils and staff. We always want the very best for our students and we will continue to provide a positive, hard working and welcoming environment for all of our pupils to thrive in.”

The report also found that pupils with special educational needs (SEND) get the support they need, with staff supporting pupils in lessons described as well trained.

Inspectors also pointed out that that the school leadership has a focus on professional development for all staff. The trust provides opportunities to work across the Trust and staff feel supported

You can read the latest inspection report at:  https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/145744