The Parks School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

The school has established an ambitious curriculum for pupils to study. It has high expectations for pupils' achievement. From their different starting points, pupils achieve well. Pupils enjoy the enriching activities that the school provides. For example, weekly visits to museums, farms and markets significantly enhance pupils' experience of the wider world. Pupils leave the school confident and ready to lead independent lives. Many pupils who attend this school have been without education for some time. They receive a fresh start at The Parks School. Pupils re-engage with learning because staff create a safe environment and a curriculum that inspires pupils. Pupils enjoy attending school again. One pupil, who summed up the views of others, said, 'This is a school that you actually want to come to.' Pupils behave well. Staff are experts in creating trusting relationships that help pupils settle into school life. Pupils focus on their learning without disruption because of the calm environment that leaders create. The school applies its behaviour policy fairly and consistently. Pupils know what is expected of them. Most of the time they rise to these expectations. If pupils behave less well, the school helps them to get back on track.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not check and address the gaps that many pupils have in their prior knowledge well enough. As a result, pupils sometimes do not build on prior knowledge and struggle to understand new learning. The school should ensure that staff check pupils' understanding of previous learning so that they can accurately identify and then address any gaps that pupils have.

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