Oaks Park High School, located in Carshalton, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on 12 and 13 October 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school is led by headteacher Amit Amin and is part of the Cheam Academies Network, overseen by CEO Rebecca Allott and a board of trustees chaired by Richard Beer.
The school is described as welcoming, with pupils expressing happiness and satisfaction regarding the improvements made over time. Staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most pupils achieve well, and the school ensures that they are well cared for and safe. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they occur, they are addressed effectively. Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a supportive learning environment.
Pupils demonstrate orderly behaviour in lessons and throughout the school, focusing on their learning and adhering to the school's high standards. The school values pupil input, as evidenced by initiatives like the Year 7 make a change project, which involved students collaborating with leaders to enhance the healthy food options available in the canteen. A variety of clubs and extracurricular activities are offered, allowing pupils to explore their interests in sports, arts, and crafts.
The curriculum is ambitious, designed to meet high academic standards, and leaders are actively working to recruit and develop staff expertise to broaden the curriculum further. Teachers emphasize the importance of knowledge retention and connections to prior learning, ensuring that pupils revisit key concepts frequently. While overall achievement is commendable, some subjects lack depth, hindering pupils from acquiring the comprehensive knowledge and skills expected. The school is aware of the low participation in the English Baccalaureate and is reviewing its language curriculum to encourage more pupils to study modern foreign languages at the GCSE level.
Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge, providing high-quality explanations and effectively using assessments to support pupil learning. The school has implemented training for teachers to better support pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that these students have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Additionally, the school identifies pupils needing extra help with reading and provides appropriate support to enhance their confidence and fluency.
Pupils are respectful and polite, understanding the school's behavioural expectations, which is reflected in their engagement during lessons. However, there are occasional instances of low-level disruption that are not consistently managed, impacting the learning environment. The school prioritizes attendance and has systems in place to address absences promptly. In the sixth form, students exhibit positive attitudes towards their education, achieving well in national examinations and receiving effective preparation for their future endeavors.
The school has developed a comprehensive personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum that addresses various topics relevant to pupils' development, including online safety and mental health. The careers program provides insights into future options, including apprenticeships. A wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports and educational trips, enriches the pupils' experience.
Governance is strong, with knowledgeable trustees working collaboratively with school leaders to prioritize improvement. Staff feel supported and appreciate the training opportunities available. The school is actively addressing areas where the curriculum needs further depth and is committed to maintaining high standards in all aspects of education. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
