Oasis Academy Shirley Park, located in Croydon, Surrey, has received a positive inspection report, highlighting its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school operates under the Oasis Community Learning Trust and is led by principals Saqib Chaudhri and Laura Evry. The inspection took place on October 1 and 2, 2024, and the school was rated as good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years provision, and sixth-form provision.
The school emphasizes high expectations for all students, starting from the early years and continuing through to the sixth form. It aims to prepare students for ambitious futures, fostering a culture of aspiration and shared success. The school’s values, which include love for learning, care for the community, and building bright futures, are evident throughout its programs and activities. The school recognizes the challenges faced by many pupils and their families and actively works to support the local community.
Pupils at Oasis Academy Shirley Park feel safe and happy, benefiting from the support of staff when they have concerns. The school promotes a positive learning environment where students work hard and behave well. Those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support and are treated with respect by their peers. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and events that enhance students' experiences.
The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that pupils learn in a logical order. In the early years, a structured curriculum supports children's development, while the primary and secondary phases offer a broad curriculum that often exceeds national expectations. The school prioritizes reading, with a strong phonics program in place for younger pupils. Those who struggle with reading receive targeted support, and high-level vocabulary is taught across all year groups.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively address misconceptions to help pupils build a solid foundation of knowledge. However, there are instances where learning is not assessed thoroughly enough, leading to gaps in understanding for some pupils. The school is aware of this and is working to improve formative assessment practices.
Attendance has been a challenge, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the school is prioritizing efforts to improve attendance rates. While staff collaborate with families and external agencies to support frequent absentees, overall absence rates have not decreased as quickly as desired.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is designed to support pupils' wider development, teaching them about health, safety, and financial literacy. The school also provides a comprehensive careers program, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future pathways, including work experience and college applications.
Leadership at Oasis Academy Shirley Park is characterized by high ambitions for pupils, with trust leaders and trustees demonstrating a clear understanding of the school’s needs. Staff feel valued and supported in their professional development, contributing to a positive school culture.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. Overall, Oasis Academy Shirley Park is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all its students, with a focus on continuous improvement and community engagement.
