Following their latest Ofsted inspection, staff and students at Yeoman Park Academy, part of Diverse Academies Trust, have been celebrating exceptional results across the board. The academy was inspected on 14 and 15 January 2025 and received judgements of ‘outstanding’ in every single category: education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
Yeoman Park offers a specialist educational environment for children and young people aged 3-19 years with ASD and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Ofsted inspectors visited the academy in its current premises, but extensive investment in capital infrastructure and facilities is also taking place following the announcement that Yeoman Park would become one of the first 50 schools in England to benefit from the government’s transformative ten-year rebuilding programme. Works on a brand-new building are expected to be completed by Easter with students moving into their modern, purpose-built facility by late April 2025.
Within the Ofsted report, inspectors praised the ‘outstanding quality of education and care for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’ at Yeoman Park and noted that students ‘thrive and are happy due to the school’s exceptional provision’.
Yeoman Park’s unique personal development package was hailed as another strength of its provision, as were the positive relationships and behavioural standards which sit at the very heart of the academy.
Inspectors commented on a well-designed, personalised and ambitious curriculum for all learners – something which the academy is rightly proud of, enabling young people to achieve beyond their aspirations and despite any barriers to learning they may face.
Additionally, Yeoman Park received positive feedback around its careers and next steps programmes, its effectiveness in preparing post 16 students for life ahead, a broad personal development programme, advancement of reading and communication skills, and strong leadership. The report highlighted the ‘exemplary’ behaviour of pupils, their high attendance, and summarised that ‘the school has established a safe and respectful culture’ and that ‘pupils consistently demonstrate qualities of resilience and respect, in line with the school’s values’.
Principal of Yeoman Park Academy, Courtney Hoop, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted report as what shone through was that communication and the individual learner is at the heart of everything we do.
“The timing could not have been better as we are about to move into a new purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities. It was important that we were inspected on our current school culture, provision, community, and curriculum, recognising strengths in all areas but particularly reading and personal development. With the support of our skilled and dedicated staff, learners, their families, governors and Diverse Academies Trust we have achieved something really very special. We are now able to bring together an outstanding school with outstanding facilities and offer SEND learners of Mansfield the very best which is what they deserve.”
Lucy Spacey, Executive Principal for Yeoman Park Academy, added: “As we celebrate this outstanding Ofsted inspection, we take immense pride in the dedication, care, and commitment that our incredible team has shown. This achievement reflects the hard work and passion of everyone in our school community. Together, we are not just providing education—we are shaping futures. With every step forward, we ensure that each child receives the support, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve to thrive and reach their fullest potential.”
Cat Thornton, Chief Education Officer for Diverse Academies Trust, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the academy on receiving such a positive and well-earned Ofsted judgement. The outcome reflects the exceptional quality of provision that the academy provides for all children and their families. The success of Yeoman Park Academy demonstrates what can be achieved by great teams working together as a trust with the highest aspirations for all our children sitting at the heart of all we do.”
David Cotton, CEO of Diverse Academies Trust, said: “Yeoman Park Academy staff work extremely hard to ensure that every child achieves to their highest potential and this has been confirmed by the excellent Ofsted judgement. The academy truly embodies our core values of ‘empower, respect and care’, and lives and breathes our vision in enabling children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Combining an outstanding Ofsted report with a new state-of-the-art building, it’s clear that Yeoman Park Academy has a very bright future ahead and the chance to make a real difference on so many more young people’s lives.”
