In December Leighton Park School in Reading underwent their ISI Inspection. The resulting report highlighted the many successes in the school’s academic achievements along with its strong pastoral care, where pupils gain excellent personal development which is seen to be a real strength of the school.
The report demonstrates how pupils at Leighton Park follow an “excellent” curriculum and learn to explore the subject they study beyond the text book, through discussions, debates and activities. The school’s extra-curricular provision is also “excellent”. It is seen to be strongly creative with high levels of achievement in music and drama. Pupils at the school relish the opportunities and activities available to them achieving success in team and individual sports.
Due to the Quaker ethos of the school pupils at Leighton Park develop a keen understanding and thoughtfulness in relation to world and people around them. In the ISI Inspection report it is noted how the pupils’ personal development is “excellent”, especially their strong sense of morality and social responsibility.
As with most reports there are some areas for improvement, in particular. Some of the action points have already been rectified by the school with plans already in place to improve other points moving forward.
Alex McGrath, Head, commented “Since the last ISI Inspection in 2004 Leighton Park School has invested considerably in its ICT and has improved the management structure. Both of these much needed improvements have enabled better monitoring of departments and sharing of best practice across the school. I am extremely pleased with the new report and its representation of our strong, happy community. Huge thanks must go to all our staff and pupils and to the inspectors who were welcomed into our school”.
Prior to the visit from the Inspectors pupils and parents were given a questionnaire about the school. The result showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the school. Pupils are reported as being proud at their school, enjoying being part of it, and valuing its Quaker ethos. One parent said “I can say without reservation that Leighton Park changed the course of our children’s lives. They are lucky and we are grateful.”