Redwood Park Academy in Portsmouth faces a graded inspection after Ofsted found aspects of the previously outstanding special school may not be as strong as before.
The ungraded inspection conducted on 23 and 24 April 2025 at the Cosham-based academy revealed evidence suggesting the school’s work has declined since its outstanding rating in November 2019.
School Maintains Positive Environment Despite Concerns
Despite the concerns, inspectors found pupils love attending the school and praised its calm, happy atmosphere. The 165-pupil academy, which caters for children aged 11-16 with complex communication and learning difficulties, maintains extremely well-behaved pupils who feel safe and supported.
Executive principal Louise Quaid leads the school, which is part of the Solent Academies Trust under CEO Sharon Burt. The inspection comes during a period of significant change, with several senior and middle leaders new to their roles following restructuring over the past two years.
Curriculum Improvements Noted
Inspectors acknowledged the school has become more ambitious for pupils’ achievement following post-pandemic struggles. The curriculum has been revised to be more challenging, with staff having better information about pupils’ starting points and learning being well-sequenced.
Pupils receive strong preparation for adult life through the school’s independence flat, work experience with local employers, and meaningful qualifications. Most pupils attend regularly, with leaders understanding and addressing attendance challenges related to social, emotional and mental health needs.
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Areas Requiring Improvement
However, the inspection identified inconsistencies in teaching approaches. Support for the weakest readers needs improvement, with the new phonics approach not being implemented precisely or regularly enough. Reading books are not consistently matched to the sounds pupils are learning, preventing some from making adequate progress.
Additionally, some activities are not well-matched to pupils’ needs or learning objectives, meaning some pupils do not achieve as much as they could.
Leadership Changes Continue
The school faces ongoing leadership transitions, with the previous head of school having recently left and the trust actively recruiting a replacement to start in September 2025. The school uses three unregistered alternative provision providers and meets requirements for providing career guidance to pupils.
The trust has prioritised staff wellbeing and professional development, with staff supporting the school’s raised ambitions. Parents and carers remain highly positive about the school and the difference it makes.
Safeguarding arrangements remain effective, inspectors confirmed.
