Abbey Park School's vision praised by Ofsted with 'Good' inspection report

By Jessica Durston - 3 March 2023

EducationSecondary
  • Photo credit - Abbey Park School

    Photo credit - Abbey Park School

Staff at Abbey Park School in Swindon are proud to announce that the school has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in its recent inspection report.

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 were said to have found that parents have welcomed the significant improvements made at the school since it joined The Park Academies Trust five years ago. 

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 is said to have 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 break times is purposeful and calm.' 

Mental health and well-being are also considered priorities at the school, 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.

CEO of The Park Academies Trust, Benedick Ashmore-Short said: “We are thrilled to receive this ‘Good’ rating and we’re all very proud of the dedication and hard work of our pupils, staff and governors. We are committed to providing a high-quality education at Abbey Park School and will continue to make improvements and set expectations which encourage all our pupils to excel.”

Abbey Park School Principal, Jon Young said: ”It’s really rewarding for all of us at Abbey Park School 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.”     

Staff say the recent Ofsted report also found that pupils with special educational needs (SEND) get the support they need, with well-trained staff supporting pupils in lessons.

Inspectors too pointed out that the school leadership has a focus on professional development for all staff.

The Park Academies Trust says it prides itself on helping staff feel supported and offers a variety of career progression opportunities within the Trust.  

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