Ashton Park School, located in Bower Ashton, Bristol, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school provides a positive environment where pupils are happy to attend and engage in their lessons. The staff are dedicated to the well-being and success of the students, fostering a sense of safety and enjoyment among the pupils. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, noting that their children feel secure and content.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in purposeful lessons with minimal disruption. Most students take pride in their work and are motivated to succeed. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed swiftly, ensuring a safe atmosphere for all students. The school's ethos, encapsulated in the 'Ashton Park Way,' emphasizes respect and community, with input from both parents and pupils in its development.
Ashton Park School offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, particularly in key stage three, although some subjects are still in the process of being fully implemented. The school has noted an increase in the number of pupils choosing to continue with languages alongside history and geography, a positive response to leadership initiatives. In the sixth form, students are able to pursue qualifications that align with their interests and future goals.
While staff are knowledgeable and ambitious for their pupils, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding the support for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Some teachers lack the necessary information to provide adequate assistance, which can hinder the progress of these pupils. However, sixth-form students and those in the resource base receive appropriate support.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and design lessons to facilitate learning. Nonetheless, there is a need for improvement in helping pupils retain information, which is crucial for building on prior knowledge. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to ensure that teaching methods enhance memory retention.
The school actively promotes reading, with key stage three pupils reading regularly with their tutors, which aids vocabulary development and cultural understanding. A variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and leadership opportunities, are available, contributing to a well-rounded education.
Ashton Park School also prioritizes career guidance, meeting the requirements of the Baker Clause by providing information about technical education and apprenticeships. Work experience plays a significant role in preparing pupils for the workplace, and sixth-form students receive support in their applications for jobs and higher education.
In response to challenges posed by the pandemic, the curriculum has been adjusted to focus more on practical elements in subjects like food technology and to allocate additional time for personal, social, and health education. This reflects the school's commitment to preparing pupils for their future.
The leadership team is attentive to staff workload and well-being while implementing necessary changes. Governors are engaged and understand the school's priorities, ensuring that decisions are made with the community's needs in mind.
Overall, Ashton Park School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, fostering a supportive environment, and continuously seeking improvement in its practices. The school is well-positioned to address the areas identified for development, particularly in supporting pupils with special educational needs and enhancing retention of learned material.
