Abbey Park Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 September 2022

Pupils are thriving at Abbey Park. They are encouraged to show respect, resilience, responsibility and reflection. This helps pupils to develop good character. One of the ways that pupils learn to reflect is through the 'expectations for learning' policy. If pupils are unkind to others, they are encouraged to reflect on how their behaviour has made the other pupils feel. Pupils think about how they could have solved the problem without upsetting anyone. They reflect on the impact of their actions. They apologise. This helps everyone to feel happy and safe at school. There is very little bullying. Most parents and carers are satisfied with leaders' response if their child is bullied. A small number of parents are not. The new principal is aware that some parents would like leaders to improve communication with parents. Pupils look forward to 'Proud Thursday'. Teachers choose pupils to share their good work with school leaders. The culture of praise inspires pupils to try their hardest in lessons. Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning. They behave well in lessons. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and learning. Pupils are rising to the challenge.

What the school should improve

• Leaders are at an early stage of implementing curriculum plans in foundation subjects. Teachers' subject knowledge is variable in these subjects. Teachers sometimes set work that does not enable pupils to achieve the aims and ambition of the wider curriculum. Leaders should provide effective support to improve teachers' subject knowledge.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)