Greenpark Academy, located in King's Lynn, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on September 26 and 27, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Jill Graver, leads the school, which is part of the Ad Meliora Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Lisa Cook and chaired by Karl Jermyn.
Pupils at Greenpark Academy report feeling safe and happy, contributing to a warm and welcoming school environment. The sense of community is strong, with students demonstrating care for one another. New students, including those from overseas, are integrated smoothly into the school culture. Staff maintain high expectations for student performance, and pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, make good progress and achieve well. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils understanding the importance of following school rules. Those who struggle with behaviour receive appropriate support to improve.
The school offers a well-structured curriculum that is ambitious for all students. Curriculum leaders have identified essential knowledge that pupils need to learn, ensuring that learning builds progressively from year to year. However, in some subjects, the curriculum plans are not as fully developed, leading to gaps in knowledge for pupils. The school prioritizes reading, starting from the nursery level, with daily assessments to ensure pupils receive timely support. The recent development of the library enhances resources for wider reading and deeper subject knowledge.
In the early years, children receive an excellent start to their education, with knowledgeable staff providing a range of learning opportunities through well-planned activities. Positive relationships between children and adults foster a motivating learning environment. Children leave Reception well-prepared for Year 1.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs. Needs are identified quickly, and regular progress checks allow for timely adjustments to learning. The school collaborates with various external agencies to provide expert support for pupils with more complex needs.
Pupils' personal development is well-supported, with initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of diversity. Opportunities for leadership roles, such as play leaders and peer mediators, help pupils develop conflict resolution skills. The school also offers various extracurricular activities and trips that enrich the educational experience.
Governance at Greenpark Academy is effective, with trustees and governors aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The school prioritizes staff well-being and workload management, with the trust providing training to enhance teaching quality. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of the essential knowledge that pupils should learn in every subject. This clarity will help teachers plan lessons that reinforce key knowledge, enabling pupils to recall and apply what they have learned more effectively. Overall, Greenpark Academy is making significant strides in providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its pupils.
