Following an Ofsted inspection at Ashton Park School in November, pupils, staff and governors are delighted to have received a ‘Good’ rating for all areas of the school’s provision in the recently published report.
Ashton Park School, in South Bristol, is a large 11 to 18 secondary with over 1,200 students, including Sixth Form provision.
In the first inspection of the school since it became part of the Gatehouse Green Learning Trust in 2018, and since the appointment of new Headteacher Richard Uffendell in 2022, the school has shown itself to be an outstanding asset to its community, both in educational and cross-community provision.
The modern school is set in extensive grounds, facilitating a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular activities, which were commended by Ofsted. The report stated that from Key Stage 3, ‘…all pupils follow a curriculum that is broad and ambitious,’ and that ‘The many clubs, including sports, art, drama, and music are well attended.’
The report adds, ‘Trips and guest speakers and school events give pupils a rich set of experiences that draw on the local area as well as further afield. Many pupils take part in a national award scheme that supports their wider development.’
The achievements of the Sixth Form were also highlighted, which follows investment in this provision by the school in recent years. Students in the Sixth Form were found to be able to, ‘…take qualifications that match their interests and future aspirations,’ and that they are supported to, ‘…take on leadership opportunities, such as being reading coaches for Year 7 pupils.’
Ofsted also found that, ‘Sixth Form students with SEND and pupils attending the resource base are well supported.’
Headteacher, Richard Uffendell, said, “I am proud that through spending time with our school community, Ofsted were able to see how the Ashton Park way of high expectations, respect and community values is helping our pupils and staff to achieve great things and a wonderful school environment.
“I would particularly like to thank the staff team for their hard work to support our students back into normal school life following the Covid pandemic, and for their work in setting and maintaining such high standards for everyone at our school.
“Ofsted specifically mention the adjustments we have made to the curriculum post Covid in the report, and this is credit to everyone’s hard work and commitment to providing excellent education and enrichment opportunities for our students.”
Nick Lewis, Interim CEO of Gatehouse Green Learning Trust, added, “This report highlights the excellent education Ashton Park School and Sixth Form offers our community. It is Good in all areas. The dedication and strong leadership of the school is now there for everyone to see in this report. It is particularly pleasing that Ofsted has noted the efforts staff go to get students ready for the next stage of life.”
Dates of open events for families to visit the school, and the full Ofsted report can be found on the school website, www.ashtonpark.net.