Parkside Community School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 June 2026

The school's caring ethos is evident as leaders and staff greet pupils at the start of the school day. Pupils appreciate how leaders and staff take the time to get to know their individual circumstances and enquire about their wellbeing. They feel safe because staff are attentive to their experiences at school, at home and in the community. Pupils are confident that staff would provide support if necessary. Pupils accept each other's differences and build positive relationships with their peers, staff and leaders. Bullying is rare and is dealt with effectively by staff so that it stops and does not recur. In lessons, pupils typically focus on their learning and work hard. They delight in the many ways the school recognises and celebrates pupils' success. Similarly, pupils value the way leaders reward regular attendance. Pupils' attendance has improved markedly because they enjoy school and are well supported to overcome barriers to attending school. Pupils benefit from the better teaching that leaders have put in place over recent years. In particular, teachers arrange learning activities that typically meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, pupils' achievement is improving. Results in national tests for some subjects improved to be close to national averages. However, outcomes in national tests for some subjects remain below national averages. Pupils are grateful for the opportunities they have to develop their understanding of the wider world and the career opportunities ahead of them. Leaders arrange for pupils to engage regularly with universities, employers and alumni who have been successful in their chosen careers. As a result, pupils have high career aspirations and nearly all make positive next steps into education, employment or training. Pupils also gain a lot from the educational visits to places of national and international interest, including trips abroad.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff match learning activities to what pupils need to learn next, including ensuring more challenging learning activities for pupils who are ready to explore what they are studying with greater sophistication.
• Leaders should continue to refine the way staff help pupils who have underdeveloped handwriting.

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