Forest Park School
Durham Way South, Newton Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Forest Park School is a special school in Newton Aycliffe for ages 11 to 17. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2025.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 11 March 2025, report published 30 April 2025
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 11 March 2025
Forest Park School positively transforms pupils' lives. Many pupils arrive having formed negative attitudes towards education, often following prolonged periods out of school. Although their previous journeys may have held challenges, pupils experience significantly smoother paths ahead. They quickly come to view Forest Park as a welcoming environment full of warmth, kindness and happiness. It is a place where they truly be themselves and flourish. The school sets ambitious expectations for all pupils' achievement. Staff collaborate closely, including with clinical professionals and external agencies, to ensure that each pupil receives tailored and sensitive support. Consequently, pupils look forward to attending school and embrace the opportunities provided. Pupils achieve well as a result. The school's clear routines, which pupils consistently follow, ensure a calm and orderly atmosphere. Through the curriculum, pupils develop an understanding of positive relationships. Pupils feel safe and secure, confident that supportive adults will address any worries or concerns promptly. Pupils benefit from wider opportunities, including those provided through the locality's business community. These experiences support pupils effectively in preparing for fruitful careers or the next stages of education. The school thoughtfully matches opportunities to each pupil, ensuring maximum benefit and enjoyment. Nothing is left to chance.
What the school should improve
- Checks made on pupils' prior knowledge are not used as effectively as they could be. This means that sometimes pupils' misconceptions persist because they are not addressed. The school should ensure that teaching better checks any gaps and/or misconceptions in pupils' knowledge and that this information is used to inform next steps in learning.
- The school's current approach to teaching early reading is inconsistent. While individual staff are trained in phonics, they do not deliver the school's current approach with fidelity. This means that those pupils who arrive at the school with significant weaknesses in their phonics knowledge do not receive consistent support. The school should prioritise training in its chosen approach to ensure that all pupils receive the same quality offer.
Pupil numbers and mix
33 pupils on roll, with places for 50
Schools near Forest Park School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East Centre for Autism - Aycliffe School | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Not published |
| Walworth School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Oakwood Learning Centre | 4 miles | Report card: Strong standard to exceptional | Not published |
| Pear Tree School | 4 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Beaumont Hill Academy | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 4.3 |
School details
- School type
- Other independent special school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 11 to 17
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Miss Jacqueline Reynolds
- Phone
- 01325965220
- Address
- Durham Way South, Newton Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XP
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 150376
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.