Staff and pupils at Boston’s Park Academy are celebrating after receiving their most recent Ofsted report which judged the school as ‘Good’ in all areas.
The academy, located in Robin Hoods Walk and part of The Boston Witham Academies Federation trust (BWAF), received its last inspection three years ago. Since then it has continued to rapidly progress, with Ofsted’s inspectors concluding in their most recent report (March 2020) that the school is ‘Good’ throughout.
This report recorded many positive changes seen at the academy following the previous inspection, stating: “Park Academy is a happy and successful school. Pupils are polite, courteous and attentive in lessons. All pupils, including the very youngest, know and understand the school’s aim for pupils to persevere, be resilient, be open-minded and to be determined (PROUD).”
The report’s findings went on to evidence the school’s implementation of its aims of ensuring every child in the community is valued – and recognised the school as both ‘cohesive and inclusive’ with strong, positive relationships between staff and pupils.
It stated: “Pupils told us that they feel safe in school. Parents and carers, pupils and staff are positive about the school. One parent said: ‘This is a lovely school. My child goes to school with a smile on their face. Staff are nice and polite. I highly recommended this school.’”
The report also acknowledged that the academy had worked hard to develop and sequence a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to meet the needs of pupils, and outlined how learning in all forms is at the centre of everything staff do at the school.
It stated:
- Teachers plan, and make, exciting and engaging lessons.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported.
- Pupils’ talents are recognised and celebrated.
- The school’s curriculum ensures pupils are developed spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, and makes clear what they should know and remember.
- Early reading is taught well from the moment pupils join the school.
The Early Years Foundation Team at Park Academy also received praise for their hard work and determination, with the report stating: “Children get off to a good start in the early years. Teachers provide them with a wide range of activities. (All) pupils share and play extremely well together.”
Finally the report acknowledged the commitment and determination of the headteacher, who has driven continued improvement at Park Academy.
The report stated: “The headteacher has built an effective senior leadership team. They are skilled, well trained and understand what needs to be improved at the school. They share the headteacher’s determined ambition that all pupils will be ready for the next stage of their education when they leave.”
Park Academy’s Headteacher Sarah Gray said: “We are all delighted with the outcome of this latest Ofsted inspection which reflects the hard work and commitment of all involved.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our school community and are excited to take our next steps forward to continue to develop the exciting teaching and learning here.
“We are currently enhancing our outdoor learning, incorporating the ‘Forest School’ ethos, which will enable children to develop their natural inquisitiveness, a love of the outdoors, and leadership skills. We believe that real experiences are vital in order to enrich learning, ensuring our pupils can contribute to both the school and wider community.”
BWAF’s CEO Emma Hadley said: “We are exceptionally proud of Park Academy, the outcome of this Ofsted inspection is well deserved. Miss Gray has demonstrated exemplary leadership and the staff team should be justifiably proud of the incredible progress across the academy.
“Ofsted have confirmed what we already knew, that Park Academy is a great place to learn and staff care deeply for pupils. The future is bright for the academy, its staff team, and our brilliant learners.”
- To enquire about school places available at Park Academy call 01205 368805 or e-mail: park@bwaf.net