Sheffield Park Academy rated ‘Good’ in recent Ofsted inspection
Louise Innocent
/ Categories: News
~ Inspectors confirm academy “continues to be a good school” following visit in December ~
~ Report says “leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve highly” ~
~ School praised for its “respectful and kind culture”, where students feel “at home” ~
~ Staff said to be “determined” to see students succeed and prepare them well for life beyond school ~
Ofsted Inspectors have confirmed that Sheffield Park Academy continues to be a ‘Good’ school, following a visit to the academy in December.
In their report, the Inspectors praised leaders at the academy for being “ambitious for all pupils to achieve highly”, saying that staff “care for pupils and are determined that they will succeed”. Equally, students were said to be “proud” of their school and enjoy coming to school.
Among the strengths highlighted in the Inspectors’ report was the academy’s “ambitious and broad curriculum” and “well designed” lessons. Additionally, the report notes that the proportion of students who study the “challenging” collection of subjects known as the English Baccalaureate is “remarkably high”.
Beyond teaching and learning, the Inspectors commended the school for its “inclusive” ethos, noting that students “feel at home in its respectful and kind culture”. This is supported by the “warm, respectful relationships” between students and staff, as well as the “rich experiences” available outside of the classroom to help students develop their wider interests and talents.
Importantly, the report acknowledges how aware staff at the academy are of preparing students for life beyond school; the report praised the “very successful” Sixth Form in particular for ensuring that students have access to a variety of options. All students were said to receive “useful careers information, advice and guidance” to enable them to make informed choices about their futures, with “high proportions” of students entering further education, employment or training successfully after Sixth Form.
Roland Freeman, Principal of Sheffield Park Academy, said:
“We are very pleased that Ofsted has confirmed that Sheffield Park Academy continues to be a Good school and praised so many aspects of teaching, learning and students’ personal development. It is particularly gratifying that the Inspectors recognised what an aspirational and welcoming community we are and the pride we take in our academy. I would like to thank students, staff and our wider school community for everything they contribute to the academy, as we continue to build on these strengths to create Sheffield’s influential young leaders of tomorrow.”
Dame Sally Coates, Director of Secondary Education at United Learning, the group of schools which the school is part of, added:
“This report is further evidence of the strong progress that has been made at Sheffield Park Academy and the ambition that staff have for all the students from Year 7 to the Sixth Form.”
