Lodge Park Academy Receives Flurry of 'Good' Results in Latest Ofsted Inspection

Lodge Park Academy Receives Flurry of ‘Good’ Results in Latest Ofsted Inspection

 LPA’s Ofsted rating upgraded after over a year of pandemic learning 

Lodge Park Academy in Corby, part of the David Ross Education Trust, received a flurry of ‘Good’ ratings in this year’s Ofsted inspection, and improved its overall rating after over a year of pandemic learning. 

Ofsted reviewed six different areas of school life, and found four to be “Good” - the second highest rating possible. These areas are: Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth-form provision. Overall, Lodge Park Academy’s Ofsted rating was upgraded to ‘Requires Improvement’. 

Inspectors highlighted many noteworthy areas in their report, including: “Positive relationships exist between pupils and staff,” and “a culture of mutual care and respect.” They pointed to significant improvements in behaviour, commenting that “Most pupils behave and attend well. They understand what staff expect of them.”

Addressing the improvements the school has made, they went on: “Sixth-form students provide positive role models for younger pupils as house captains and prefects...[and they] are overwhelmingly positive about how the school has improved. They attend well and study courses that closely match their interests and aspirations. Teachers help students to develop their independent learning and study skills. Students receive appropriate advice and guidance about their future plans. Many aim to be the first in their family to attend university.”

The inspection also revealed that “Teachers are proud to work at the school and want pupils to be successful. Many use their subject knowledge to good effect…[and] promoting pupils’ personal development is fundamental to the school’s values.”

The inspection was carried out through a number of meetings with the executive principal, the principal, the head of sixth form, the special educational needs coordinator and other senior leaders, teachers, safeguarding leads, and students of all ages. They also met with the chair of governors, reviewed 72 responses to an online questionnaire, considered 44 responses to a staff questionnaire, and reviewed a range of documentation, including the school’s self-evaluation, curriculum plans and information about pupils’ attendance, behaviour and exclusions. 

Carly Waterman, Principal of Lodge Park Academy, said: 

“We are very pleased with our Ofsted visit and appreciate their recognition of the strides we have made as a school community in all areas of school life. Both inside and outside the classroom, we strive to support our students and ensure that each of them has access to a world-class education. Through targeted, individual support, a wide range of extra-curricular offers and an ethos of ‘LPA Spirit’, we develop bright, curious, and kind students who go on to great things when they leave us. 

“We will continue working diligently to ensure that LPA is the best it can be, and we look forward to welcoming Ofsted back in the near future.” 

Stuart Burns, CEO of the David Ross Education Trust, said: 

“Congratulations to Lodge Park on their latest Ofsted report. Despite the challenges of the last two academic years, staff and students at LPA always strive for greatness, and the improvements they have made are remarkable. I have complete faith that under the leadership of Carly Waterman, the school will continue to enhance all areas of school life, and we look forward to watching their continued success.”