Park House School, Newbury: A School Transformed

On the edge of Newbury, where extensive parkland gives way to suburban roads, Park House School stands as a symbol of rapid institutional transformation. Three years ago, the school was rated Inadequate by Ofsted. In May 2025, it returned a strikingly different verdict: Outstanding for the quality of education and sixth form provision. This journey from crisis to recognition reflects extraordinary effort from a school community that refused to accept decline. With nearly 1,300 students across years 7-13, Park House now ranks in the top 20% of state schools nationally for GCSE results and maintains strong performance at A-level. Headteacher James King, appointed to lead the turnaround, has established a culture of high expectations where students describe feeling safe, supported, and challenged. For families in West Berkshire seeking a comprehensive school with proven academic strength and genuine pastoral commitment, Park House offers a compelling case.

Park House operates from a sprawling campus that evolved from a former comprehensive into an academy in 2011, and recently joined the Greenshaw Learning Trust in 2022. The physical plant reflects this history: Victorian and modern structures coexist, with recent additions like the Wellness Centre speaking to the school's investment in contemporary education.

The school's ethos rests on three core values: Work Hard, Be Kind, Take Responsibility. These are not mere slogans. Students are genuinely encouraged to live them, and the 2025 Ofsted inspection noted that pupils demonstrate "exemplary behaviour" and experience a "calm and purposeful" atmosphere. The shift from the chaotic picture painted in the April 2022 report — when safeguarding was questioned and truancy was endemic — is striking. Students now report confidence that unkindness is not tolerated and pride in the school's inclusive character.

The school operates a house system that divides students into four named houses (Joseph, Albert, Chaffey, and Croft) after notable sporting alumni including England rugby internationals. Houses compete throughout the year in academic and extracurricular competitions, creating friendly rivalry that binds the school community. Year 12 and 13 House Presidents lead teams that include House Captains from younger year groups, fostering leadership at all levels.

Headteacher James King, arriving as part of the recovery team, has prioritized both academic rigour and student wellbeing. The appointment of permanent senior leaders (after a period of interim arrangements) has stabilized the school's direction. Staff are described as immensely proud of Park House, reflecting genuine confidence in the school's future.

GCSE Results

Park House achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 53.3, exceeding the England average of 45.9 . This places the school well above England's typical performance. The school's measure of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths — the gateway qualification for further education — was 64% , significantly above the England average of 49%.

In FindMySchool rankings based on GCSE performance, Park House ranks 922nd in England, placing it in the top 20% nationally. Locally within Newbury and West Berkshire, the school ranks 4th, demonstrating that while results are strong, neighbouring independent and selective schools in the area achieve at similar or higher levels.

The Progress 8 measure, which tracks how much value a school adds to students' outcomes from their starting points, stands at +0.6, indicating above-average progress. This matters: it shows Park House is helping students achieve more than their prior attainment would predict.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results continue the momentum. The school's average Attainment 8 score of 53.3 reflects performance across up to eight qualifications including English, Maths, three English Baccalaureate subjects, and three additional approved qualifications . At A-level specifically, the school reports 52% of grades at A*/A and 15% at A*, placing it solidly in the middle tier of sixth form providers. The 2025 Ofsted inspection rated sixth form provision as Outstanding, praising the school's ambitious curriculum and the progress students make.

Park House ranks 706th in England for A-level performance (27%ile), placing it in line with the middle range of English schools. This represents stable performance rather than exceptional excellence, but for a school that was in crisis just years ago, sixth form stability and improvement is itself an achievement.

The May 2025 inspection praised the school for delivering a "rich and ambitious curriculum, taught with clarity and care." Teachers have worked to establish high expectations across all subjects, and students respond. The curriculum follows the national framework but includes distinctive features. A former Specialist Sports College (designated in 1998), Park House maintains strong provision across physical education and sport, but has deliberately broadened its academic offer.

Teaching is structured around clear objectives. Inspectors noted that pupils "achieve exceptionally well" and benefit from clarity in how concepts are scaffolded. The school has invested in professional development, ensuring teachers understand both their subject matter and how to help diverse learners master it. For students with special educational needs, the 2025 inspection highlighted "impressive progress," suggesting the school's recent focus on inclusion is yielding results.

The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and literacy. Daily reading sessions, character education, and discussion of current affairs are embedded into the timetable, not treated as extras. This comprehensive approach to personal development reflected in the school's curriculum speaks to an understanding that education is about more than exam grades.

The sixth form comprises approximately 300 students, making it a significant part of the school. Students benefit from dedicated facilities including the Sixth Form Centre, with its own common room and study spaces. Entry to the sixth form is not automatic; students must meet minimum GCSE requirements, typically grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics, with higher requirements in subjects they wish to study at A-level.

A-level subject choice includes traditional academic subjects alongside vocational options. The inspection noted that sixth form provision is "Outstanding," with particular strength in how the school supports students progressing to university. The Wellness Centre, which includes a modern gymnasium with specialist fitness equipment, a cooking area, and an ICT classroom, is particularly valued by sixth formers who report using the facilities to manage stress and develop healthy habits.

The 2025 Ofsted report noted that pupils are "well prepared for further education and employment." From the 2023-24 cohort, 67% of leavers progressed directly to university, 8% entered apprenticeships, and 21% moved into employment. These figures suggest a school with strong university progression but also realistic alternatives for students whose paths diverge from higher education.

Oxbridge applications are limited but present. 5 applications across both Oxford and Cambridge in the measurement period, with 1 successful acceptance. While this reflects a relatively small pool of candidates aiming for these universities, it demonstrates that Park House students can compete at the highest levels. The school's recent Outstanding rating for sixth form provision should support students' university applications.

Sports: A Historic Strength

Park House's origins as a Specialist Sports College remain visible in its extensive sporting facilities and culture. The school operates 3G artificial pitches, grass football pitches, a large sports hall, netball courts, tennis courts, indoor cricket nets, and a dance studio , facilities that support both curricular and competitive sport.

Fixtures in football, netball, rugby, cricket, and athletics are regular fixtures on the calendar. The school maintains competitive teams across multiple year groups, and tours to external competitions are organized. The house system competitions include major sporting events — inter-house athletics, netball, and football tournaments create excitement throughout the year. Beyond traditional competitive sport, students can access fitness facilities through the Wellness Centre, which operates a dedicated gymnasium.

Music & Performing Arts

The school maintains a Music Block with specialist teaching spaces. Drama is equally visible, with dedicated drama studio facilities and regular productions. The school calendar includes whole-school productions typically staged at Christmas, providing performance opportunities to students across ability levels, not just specialists.

Student newspapers and publications — including the student-led publication "Park Life"—provide creative outlets and develop media literacy.

STEM & Technology

Park House was designated as a National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) hub in 2019, positioning it as a centre of expertise in this field. This reflects the school's commitment to computing and digital skills. Science facilities include specialist teaching areas, supporting the delivery of separate sciences at GCSE and A-level. The school supports outreach to primary schools through its specialist sports college status, providing tuition to 57 primary schools across the region.

Enrichment & Personal Development

The school's approach to enrichment is systematic. Inspectors highlighted initiatives such as "Fun Friday," where students participate in activities — such as seed bomb making for biodiversity projects — designed to build confidence and connection. Character education is woven throughout the curriculum, with specific focus on developing resilience, kindness, and responsibility.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates, offering students the chance to complete Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. The school's recent Ofsted report noted that enrichment plays a vital role in building students' personal development. Learning Support is available at breaks and lunch for students needing calm space, academic intervention, or social skills support. Homework club, handwriting support, LEGO Therapy, and Lexia literacy intervention are all available.

Facilities Summary

Named facilities reflect the school's investment: the Sixth Form Centre, Wellness Centre (housing gym, cooking area, and ICT classroom), Drama Studio, Dance Studio, Music Block, Library (with over 12,000 books and 500 computers), Main Hall, Sixth Form Common Room, and extensive outdoor provision including cricket pitches, MUGAs (multi-use games areas), and floodlit 3G pitches.

Park House is a comprehensive, non-selective secondary school. Entry at Year 7 is managed through the standard local authority coordinated admissions process. The school currently has approximately 1,300 students on roll , with the sixth form accounting for roughly 300 of these.

For Year 7, families apply through West Berkshire Council's coordinated admissions. The school accepts approximately 180 pupils into Year 7, making it broadly in line with two-form entry . Admission is non-selective, though like all schools, it may be oversubscribed. Allocation follows the standard criteria: looked-after children, those with EHCPs naming the school, siblings, and then distance from the school.

Sixth form entry requires application directly to the school. Standard entry requirements are typically GCSE grade 4 or above (strong pass) in English and Mathematics, with higher grades required for specific A-level subjects. For example, students wishing to study A-level Mathematics typically need GCSE grade 7, reflecting the mathematical demands of the course.

The school offers school tours during the school day (not open mornings) for families wishing to visit. Tours are with senior staff and limited to small groups to preserve the learning environment.

The recent transformation in safeguarding and pastoral care is one of Park House's most striking achievements. The April 2022 Ofsted inspection identified serious weaknesses: high truancy, ineffective registration, and insufficient safeguarding awareness. The May 2025 inspection found the opposite: a calm environment where students feel safe.

Inspectors recognised the "calm and purposeful" atmosphere and praised the school's swift and effective response to any concerns. Pupils reported feeling confident that unkindness is not tolerated and are proud of the school's inclusive ethos.

The Wellness Centre provides a physical and psychological space for wellbeing. The school operates a growing wellness curriculum and a programme of tutor activities designed to support students in learning how to manage their own wellbeing. A range of highly qualified pastoral staff is dedicated to supporting students and their families.

Counselling is available for students requiring additional emotional support. The pastoral team works closely with families, and the school explicitly recognises that support sometimes extends beyond academic matters. For students with specific needs (such as those on the SEN register), there is dedicated SENCO support and regular monitoring to ensure appropriate provision.

School day runs from the start of session through the afternoon finish (specific times available on the school website). The school is located at 239 Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6NQ. Public transport links are available via local bus services connecting to Newbury town centre and surrounding areas. Free car parking is not extensive, but the school is accessible by car and bicycle.

Uniform is required. The school menu includes various hot and cold options, with vegetarian and dietary requirements catered for. Students can bring packed lunches, and the cashless payment system is used for canteen purchases.

Transition from crisis to confidence is recent. The transformation from Inadequate (April 2022) to Outstanding (May 2025) is genuinely remarkable, but it spans only three years. While the May 2025 inspection provides strong validation, parents should understand that this is a school still consolidating improvements. The permanent leadership team is relatively new. That said, the Greenshaw Learning Trust's involvement and the Ofsted rating suggest the improvement is sustainable.

A-level results are solid but not exceptional. While GCSE results place Park House in the top 20% nationally, A-level performance sits in the middle range. Students who achieve well at GCSE often progress to Oxbridge or Russell Group universities, but the school is not known as a sixth form feeder to the very most selective institutions. For students seeking elite sixth form outcomes, nearby independent boarding schools or selective grammar schools may be alternatives.

Admissions is not selective, so peer group varies widely. Unlike grammar schools, which select by aptitude test, Park House admits across the full range of attainment. This means your child will study alongside students of very different academic ability. Many find this positive; others prefer more homogeneous grouping. The pastoral and SEND support suggests the school aims to serve all learners well, but the breadth of need means teaching sometimes balances multiple levels in the same classroom.

Park House School represents one of the English system's genuine success stories. A school that was in free fall has, through determined leadership and support from its trust, rebuilt itself into one with a real claim to offering a strong comprehensive education. The May 2025 Ofsted report validates this, with Outstanding ratings in the areas that matter most — quality of education and sixth form provision — alongside Good in behaviour, personal development, and leadership.

GCSE results place it in the top 20% nationally; sixth form outcomes are steady and improving. Crucially, the school's culture has shifted from chaos to calm. Students report feeling safe, and the pastoral infrastructure is increasingly robust.

Best suited to families within West Berkshire seeking a non-selective, fully comprehensive secondary school where academic expectations are genuinely high, and pastoral support is prioritized. The school is particularly attractive to families who value recent improvement trajectory and want to support a school that is consolidating success rather than chasing prestige. The main consideration is patience: this is a young turnaround, and some resilience in navigating occasional growing pains may be needed as permanent systems and teams fully embed.