Park High School in Stanmore has been rated ‘Good’ across all key areas following an Ofsted inspection on 8 and 9 October 2024.
The school’s quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision were all rated as ‘Good’.
This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, where the school was rated as ‘Requires improvement’.
The report highlighted that pupils and sixth-form students at Park High are “welcoming and polite to visitors” and show respect to staff and each other. They embody the school’s ‘character virtues’ of curiosity, integrity, resilience, teamwork, and compassion. Pupils are helped to “be the best version of themselves” and are expected to achieve well, which most do. The report also noted that pupils feel safe and are confident in identifying trusted adults to approach for help.
Park High School’s commitment to inclusion and diversity was praised. The report stated, “Pupils say this is a place where everyone is welcome and included. They are proud of the diversity at the school and how differences are celebrated.”
The curriculum at the school is described as well-designed and coherently structured, helping pupils to gain the knowledge they need. In the sixth form, students benefit from a broad range of subjects and qualifications offered on-site and through a local partnership.
However, the report identified areas for improvement, such as ensuring consistent use of assessment to address misconceptions and providing more opportunities for pupils to develop and apply subject-specific vocabulary.
Teachers’ strong subject knowledge was highlighted, with the report noting that “Teachers present new learning clearly and demonstrate subject expertise.” However, it also pointed out that in some instances, gaps in knowledge can arise when assessment is not used consistently.
The school’s focus on reading was commended, particularly the support provided to those at the earlier stages of learning to read. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were noted to achieve well, with their needs accurately identified and supported.
Park High School has created a “calm and orderly environment” where pupils behave well in classrooms and at breaktimes. The school’s efforts to improve attendance, including for those who are persistently absent, were recognised as effective. The report also mentioned the school’s proactive approach to addressing punctuality, though some instances of lateness persist.
The school’s ‘character curriculum’ was described as comprehensive and carefully designed, helping pupils learn about physical and mental health and safe and respectful relationships. Students receive individual advice to help them make informed decisions for their future, with many successfully progressing to further and higher education.
Headteacher Colette O’Dwyer and the governing body, chaired by Sangita Patel, were praised for their leadership. The report noted that leaders have “addressed the key areas for improvement outlined in the last inspection report” and identified appropriate next steps for continued improvement. Staff reported feeling well-supported, with opportunities for professional development and effective steps taken to manage workload.
The report concluded, “Since the previous inspection, the school has been on a significant improvement journey,” underpinned by effective support and a focus on staff well-being.
You can read the full report online here.
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