Lansdown Park Academy in Stockwood has earned the best Ofsted report achieved by a South West school under the watchdog’s new inspection framework – just four years after it was judged ‘inadequate’ by inspectors.
Lansdown Park – a pupil referral unit for students who require additional support with their behaviour – was being assessed under the new-look Ofsted’s framework, which awards ‘exceptional’ ratings for even higher standards than its former ‘outstanding’ grades.
The academy not only became the first school in Bristol to earn an ‘exceptional’ grading – it is also the first in the South West to achieve that level in multiple categories after being told by inspectors it is ‘exceptional’ in four different key areas.
Inspectors rated Lansdown Park as ‘exceptional’ for the quality of its leadership and governance, its ethos of inclusion, the behaviour and attendance of pupils, and for student achievement.
Additionally, it earned ‘strong’ ratings for its curriculum and teaching, and for the personal development opportunities it creates for young people.
In her report, lead inspector Liz Geller said: “Pupils are genuinely valued at Lansdown Park Academy.
“All arrive with historic negative experiences of education. Most have social, emotional and mental health needs. Leaders ensure pupils’ voices are heard.
“Carefully tailored transition arrangements mean that pupils settle quickly. Pupils feel a deep sense of belonging in this highly inclusive school.
“Staff waste no time in building positive, trusting and nurturing relationships with pupils. Pupils trust staff deeply and know that they will help them to deal with any issues they have. As a result, pupils feel safe and happy in school.”
The report went on to praise Lansdown Park in a number of key areas.
On inclusion, Ofsted said: “Staff’s belief in all pupils’ potential transforms pupils’ feeling of self-worth.
“The school takes a highly tailored approach to remove barriers to learning and/or wellbeing. Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities quickly and precisely.
“Staff ensure that all pupils access the full curriculum and the wider opportunities the school has to offer. This attention to detail is consistent throughout the whole school.”
On school leadership, the report said: “Leaders at all levels know the school exceptionally well. Their strategic oversight is excellent.
“Leaders have rightly identified and prioritised actions that have a transformational impact on pupils. Leaders’ work is underpinned by a strong moral imperative to improve pupils’ life chances. They ensure that every pupil has the best opportunity to succeed.
“Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive. They recognise the tangible difference leaders have made to pupils’ lives.”
On student behaviour, inspectors said: “Staff apply the behaviour policy consistently and effectively. As a result, pupils behave very well. They understand leaders’ expectations. Pupils develop very positive attitudes to learning.
“Overall, the school’s highly positive culture of attendance and behaviour has a transformational impact on pupils and their families.”
On student achievement, Ofsted said: “For many pupils, this is the first time they have successfully engaged with education. The school sets no limits to what pupils can achieve. Although pupils arrive at school with very low starting points, they progress very rapidly.
“Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for next stage of learning. Many pupils successfully return to mainstream or special schools. Those who complete their studies at the school move successfully on to appropriate education and training.”
And on pupil wellbeing, inspectors added: “Everyone who joins the school is welcomed warmly and made to feel part of the school community. Pupils are supported to thrive.”
Inspectors offered further praise for Lansdown Park’s ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum, the ‘astute understanding’ of teaching needs, and the ‘meticulously constructed’ programme of development activities on offer.
Ofsted’s assessment is testament to the improvement measures implemented by the team at Lansdown Park since its previous rating of ‘inadequate’ four years ago – and the findings were welcomed by leaders at the school and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Paul Todd – who took over as Principal of Lansdown Park Academy in 2022 – said:
“We are delighted that the work over the past four years has been rightly recognised in the recent Ofsted report.
“We hope that the report gives the parents, children and communities we serve additional confidence in what we do here.
“I am incredibly proud of the team of staff, their ongoing commitment to inclusive practice while holding a high standard in everything we do.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“For some time now, the exceptional quality of the provision at Lansdown Park has been something of a well-kept secret!
“While many of us have known that the school has been delivering excellence for some of the most vulnerable learners in Bristol and beyond for some time, the validation of this judgement by Ofsted has been helpful, both in terms of reassuring parents and carers and for providing a moment to celebrate the strong work of an excellent team.”
A Bristol school which supports young people with behaviour challenges to re-engage with their education has earned national recognition for its support for students who have experienced childhood trauma.
Lansdown Park Academy in Stockwood is a pupil referral unit (PRU) which offers a tailored curriculum in short-term placements designed to help pupils return to mainstream classrooms or their next steps in education.
The school’s excellence in providing a safe, inclusive and aspirational learning environment, where all pupils are prepared for their next steps, has seen it accredited as a Trauma Informed School UK.
This means the school is recognised as a beacon of excellence for building positive relationships with young people and helping them to feel psychologically safe enough to succeed in their education.
It also recognises the empathetic approach of expertly-trained staff, the ready availability of support and a tailored curriculum which enables children to engage despite challenging personal experiences.
In bestowing the accreditation, Tony Sammon of Trauma Informed UK said: “Lansdown Park is a very special place. It consistently demonstrates a deeply embedded and highly authentic trauma informed culture that permeates every aspect of the school’s work.
“From the moment of arrival it was clear that Lansdown Park Academy has created a culture where psychological safety is the foundation for learning. Staff interactions with pupils are consistently warm, relational and socially engaging.
“Staff consistently demonstrate calm, emotionally attuned communication and pupils are spoken to with warmth, curiosity and respect. Behaviour is understood through a trauma-informed lens and responses prioritise regulation and connection rather than correction.
“Pupils experience consistent opportunities to build trusting relationships with emotionally available adults, develop emotional regulation skills and reflect on their experiences in a safe and supportive setting.
“The impact of this work is clearly evident in pupil engagement, attendance, successful reintegration into mainstream education and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and carers. This is a model PRU and other schools should learn from its exceptional practice.
“Lansdown Park Academy therefore fully meets the criteria for the Trauma Informed Schools UK Award. The depth of understanding, consistency of practice and demonstrable impact observed during the visit indicate that trauma informed practice is firmly embedded across the school.
“Furthermore, the quality of practice observed suggests that Lansdown Park Academy is well positioned to act as a Beacon setting, sharing its expertise and supporting the development of trauma informed practice across the wider education system.”
The Trauma Informed School accreditation has been celebrated at Lansdown Park, which has been working towards the award for the past two years.
That has involved extensive staff training and development and adoption of latest practices as part of its ambition for continuous improvement.
Paul Todd, Principal at Lansdown Park Academy, said:
“I am extremely proud to see Lansdown Park Academy accredited as a Trauma Informed School. The whole staff body has engaged with and embraced this work over the past two years, which underpins everything that we do here.
“It is all about meeting the needs of individual students. That’s something we do really well at Lansdown Park, and that is reflected in the fact students want to be here – something which is evidenced by our attendance being the highest among PRUs in the South West.
“Our goal now is to always keep improving, and to keep supporting students with a wide range of different experiences to prepare for their next steps in education and beyond.”
Picture: Principal and SENCO Esther Stephens unveil the plaque celebrating Lansdown Park Academy’s Trauma Informed School status.
Characters leapt from the page into real life as an academy transformed for World Book Day.
Lansdown Park Academy was filled with colourful displays of imagination as students and staff dressed up to celebrate the annual nationwide event.
Classrooms and corridors were brought to life with students in costume, taking on the roles of beloved storybook characters, while staff also joined in the fun by dressing up and getting involved in activities throughout the day.
As part of the celebrations, students visited Waterstones bookshop, where they were given the opportunity to choose their own book to read while enjoying a hot drink in the café, encouraging a love of reading beyond the classroom.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We were delighted to see such enthusiasm and creativity from both students and staff.
“World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading for pleasure, and giving students the chance to choose their own books helps inspire a lifelong love of literature.
“It was a truly memorable day for our whole school community.”
Pupils from Lansdown Park Academy enjoyed their first visit to the Bristol Hippodrome this week to see the West End blockbuster Mamma Mia, made possible through generous support from the Ellis Genge Fund.
The Genge Fund, a Bristol-based charity founded by England rugby star Ellis Genge, works to provide opportunities for young people through sport, education, and enriching experiences.
Throughout the year, the fund has enabled pupils to take part in a range of activities, but a visit to a theatre was top of their wish list.
A spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Ellis Genge Fund for making this experience possible.
“For many of our pupils, it was their first time in a theatre, and seeing their excitement and joy was truly special.
“Opportunities like this broaden horizons and create memories that last a lifetime.”
Lansdown Park Academy successfully ran its first ever summer club to engage and support pupils due to start this September.
The programme provided a wide range of activities including art, sport, gaming, baking, a bowling trip, and an exciting visit to the famous Noah’s Ark Zoo.
This initiative aimed to engage pupils, safeguard them, and prepare them for their next steps at the academy in September.
School leaders said they are delighted that the first summer holiday programme was a resounding success.
Principal Paul Todd said: “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication from our staff in making this programme a success.
“Their efforts have not only created memorable experiences for our young people but have also helped them to feel more confident, connected, and ready for the new school year.”
Lansdown Park pupils enjoy first-ever dry ski slope experience
Pupils and staff from Lansdown Park Academy recently took part in an unforgettable trip to an outdoor dry ski slope – a first-time experience for many pupils.
The trip was generously funded by the Ellis Genge Fund, which was established by the Bristol Bears and England International prop and which has pledged to support opportunities for young people at the school.
The fund is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for children in sport, while providing vital support, resources, and hope for the next generation of Bristolians.
The exciting day out gave pupils the chance to experience activities such as sledging, skiing and snowboarding, building their confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm for physical activity.
A spokesperson for Lansdown Park Academy said: “This was an amazing opportunity for our pupils, many of whom had never experienced anything like this before.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Ellis Genge for the continued support and commitment to breaking down barriers in sport.
“The smiles on our pupils faces said it all – it was a day they will never forget.”
Lansdown Park Academy welcomed a team from the National Space Academy as to deliver a ‘Space to Learn Masterclass’ to Key Stage 3 pupils.
The interactive session showcased the science, scope, and opportunities within the UK space industry. Delivered by highly-qualified, specially-trained educators, the masterclass featured a cutting-edge kit designed to bring space science to life.
Closely linked to the national curriculum, the workshop provided exciting, hands-on learning experiences, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among pupils.
A spokesperson said: “The National Space Academy’s Space to Learn Masterclass was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to engage with the wonders of space science in a truly interactive way.
“It not only deepened their understanding of key scientific concepts but also opened their eyes to the vast opportunities within the UK space industry.”
Pupils and staff at Lansdown Park Academy embraced the festive season with a tasty Christmas dinner as part of the academy’s Christmas festivities.
The atmosphere was filled with holiday cheer, as staff wore Christmas jumpers and the canteen came alive with vibrant Christmas bunting, creating a warm and festive environment.
The event was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together, celebrate, and enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “Christmas is a time for bringing people together, and this celebration truly captured the spirit of togetherness and joy that defines Lansdown Park Academy.
“We are so proud of our pupils and staff for making this a memorable occasion.
“Merry Christmas to all our children, staff, and families!”
Pupils in Year 4 and Year 5 at Lansdown Park Academy are embracing the joy of nature through their participation in Forest School sessions.
Among the many enriching activities, toasting marshmallows over an open fire on a cold December afternoon has been a firm favourite.
The Forest School initiative offers children the chance to explore and learn in woodland or natural settings. By engaging in hands-on outdoor activities, the program develops creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
A spokesperson for Lansdown Park Academy said: “Forest School provides our pupils with invaluable opportunities to connect with nature while developing teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
“It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they discover new ways to learn and grow outside the traditional classroom setting.”
Landsdown Park Academy held a well-respected and heartfelt Remembrance Day ceremony.
The event included a series of educational and commemorative activities to deepen pupils understanding of the historical significance of Remembrance Day.
A highlight of the day was in the Toucans class, where students engaged in a lesson about the history of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
Through hands-on activities, they explored the meaning behind the iconic red flower, paying tribute to fallen soldiers by designing their own poppies as a sign of respect and gratitude.
A school spokesperson said: “It’s inspiring to see our pupils participating so meaningfully in Remembrance Day.
“By learning the history behind the poppy and creating their own symbols of remembrance, they’ve truly embraced the importance of honouring those who served.
“This is a day that connects generations, and we’re proud of the respect our pupils have shown.”
