LPA Newsletter

Ofsted Report Release

Dear the Lodge Park family,    It is with great pride that we share Lodge Park Academy’s Ofsted Report following its inspection on the 28th and 29th April 2026.   This report marks the first time in twenty-five years that Lodge Park Academy has reached national expectations for both behaviour and the quality of teaching. It confirms that, since academisation, the Academy is now in its strongest position to date.   Furthermore, several aspects of the school’s practice were judged to be within the top 25% nationally. In terms of the number of “Strong Standard” judgements under the new Ofsted framework, this places Lodge Park Academy amongst the highest-performing non-selective secondary schools in Northamptonshire.   This inspection is Lodge Park Academy’s first under the revised Ofsted framework, which no longer provides a single overall judgement. Instead, schools such as ours are evaluated across seven distinct areas: Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, Personal development, and well-being, Attendance and behaviour and Sixth form. In addition to this, safeguarding is judged as met or not met. Each element is graded as Exceptional, Strong Standard, Expected Standard, Needs attention or Urgent Improvement. The national benchmark for schools is defined as the “Expected Standard”.   We are delighted to share that Lodge Park Academy has been assessed as follows:   Since the framework’s introduction in November 2025, approximately 1,000 schools have been inspected, with only approximately  a quarter achieving “Strong” in individual areas. With Strong in three areas this demonstrates what an excellent school we have.   The inspection team agreed that student achievement is not yet where we ultimately expect it to be. However, they recognised that leaders have acted swiftly to address historical underachievement, noting that it is too early to fully evaluate the impact of these improvements. Encouragingly, all the foundations are now firmly in place, and early signs of progress are already evident, including the strongest Post-16 outcomes in the Academy’s history.   We hope that all members of our community—staff, students and families—take well-deserved pride in this report. Lodge Park has worked with determination and resilience to move beyond past challenges, and this outcome represents an important milestone in that journey.   Lodge Park Academy is not defined by its past; it is now stronger than ever, and we look ahead with confidence, ambition and a continued commitment to excellence.   Yours sincerely

Mr Kirby & Mrs Jones

Table Talk: Pride Month – Why It Matters

June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the importance of every individual feeling seen, heard, and valued. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can create environments where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgement. Pride is about recognising the experiences of LGBTQ+ people, both past and present, and understanding the importance of respect, kindness and equality in our everyday interactions. In schools and communities, this means fostering a culture where differences are embraced and where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging. Discussion prompts:

• What does “belonging” feel like, and how do we help others feel it too?
• Why is it important to celebrate diversity in our school community?
• How can small actions—words, kindness, inclusion—make a big difference to someone else’s experience?
• What can we learn from listening to different perspectives and experiences?

Pride Month reminds us at that inclusion is not just something we talk about—it is something we actively create, through our values, our actions, and the way we treat one another every day.

Term 6 (1st of 2 cycles) Above & Beyond nominations

During Term 6 Tutors will select at intervals two students in their tutor group who have gone "Above & Beyond" demonstrating at least 1 of our LPA core values (Ambition, Aspiration, Respect, Resilience, Courage,  Gratitude) consistently and are deserved of recognition on our Above & Beyond boards in the House Hub area of the Zone and celebrated during House assemblies this week. Here is the 1st of these cycles.  All students selected will go into a Prize draw at the end of this term. Heads of House will select from all students nominated in their House this term a Star of the Term.  Stars of the term will go into an additional special prize draw at the end of this term.

Nevill Holt Festival 2026

For about a term we have been working on an exciting Gabrieli ROAR project with some of our singers: sing in the chorus of a Baroque opera alongside professional solo singers and musicians. Our fantastic Musician in Residence, Mr Winkworth, was tasked with teaching parts for the hour-long production in only 8 weeks – quite a challenge! A challenge our staff and students stepped up to with pride and belonging. On Thursday 18th June we travelled to the Nevill Holt Festival for our NHF x DRET Takeover Day; for us, this included an exciting final rehearsal and the performance itself. The sun was shining on us as we had our break times in the beautiful gardens and enjoyed the art and sculptures dotted around. The day began with a warmup and student-only rehearsal led by Charles McDougall and Emily Dickens – the Creative Directors of Gabrieli ROAR, and we were joined after lunch by the Gabrieli Consort and Players, who brought some exciting period instruments with them such as a harpsichord and two theorboes.  We watched the DRET primary schools perform their Sea Shanty project led by Emily Dickens, and the DRET staff choir also performed led by Charles Mcdougall.  The final performance in the programme under the direction of Paul McCreesh, was our DRET Secondary Academies with the Gabrieli Consort and Players production of Dido & Aeneas. The performance – especially from our students – was spectacular. The focus, commitment and professionalism each student brought to the stage was staggering. Every LPA student embodied all our values as they knew the stage blocking, and every lyric, melody and dynamic.  We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved this term! Look out for more performances in our Summer Showcase on Wednesday 8th July starting at 5pm. 

Mrs Olner - Director of Music

Northamptonshire County School Challenge

Congratulations again to our year 9 students Beth R, Davina D, Gabi A, Harry J, Monika L, Trish N and Pippa M.  Not only did they represent our school superbly at the Northamptonshire County Schools challenge semi-finals on Tuesday 9th June at Northampton Police Headquarters, but they have made it through to the final taking place on Monday 29th June at The Castle, Wellingborough, only one of eight schools in the county to do so.  Thanks again go to Miss Webster and Miss Baker who have continued to support the team whilst they refine their presentation based on feedback from the "dragons" and plan to deliver their presentation in House assemblies next week to fully prepare themselves for the theatre stage the following week. Beth R, Davina D, Gabi A, Harry J, Monika L, Trish N and Pippa M - we are rooting for you all the way. 

You've got this!

LPA Sports Day

On Thursday this week, students across all four House teams came together to compete in Lodge Parks Sports Day. Students and staff came together to represent their House with pride in what was an action-packed day on the track and field. Throughout the day House teams went head-to-head in a range of traditional Athletics events and tug of war, with points accumulated across each of the events to determine the overall Sports Day champions - It was fantastic to see students displaying the LPA values throughout the day.   The competition was extremely competitive throughout with Kestrel securing victory by just 30 points to Goshawk in 2nd place. It was also really tight for 3rd and 4th place with 14 points the difference between Red Kite (3rd) and Osprey (4th). Bonus House points were awarded to Goshawk for the energy and atmosphere they created in the stands throughout the event, supporting their team mates in each of the races.

Tutor Group Sweepstake Reminder

SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER

Students are required to wear impeccable school uniform every single day.  Our school uniform supplier is SWI.  Please follow this link to order your uniform www.swischoolwear.co.uk  School blazers and ties can be order via this link. Please ensure you have ordered your uniform by the end of July 2026 so that your child has everything they need for their first day in September.

LPA – Helpful contacts

MASH - Safeguarding concerns 0300 303 1965 Report a concern or request support | Northampton Children's Trust

CHILDLINE - Telephone Number: 0800 1111 Childline | Childline

Police (non emergency) - Telephone number: 101 Police (emergency) Telephone number: 999

NHS - Telephone number: 111

Young Minds Mental Health Crisis Support Text: YM to 8528

Online Mental Wellbeing Community - Website: www.kooth.com

Youthworks Mental Health Support - www.youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk

Online Health Advice www.healthforteens.co.uk

NGAGE - A free and confidential service providing advice, information, education and structured support to young people in relation to drug and alcohol use https://aquarius.org.uk/our-services/young-peoples-services/northampton-yp/

NDAS offer refuge, outreach and groupwork programmes to men and women impacted by domestic abuse. We also support children to recover from the trauma of witnessing the abuse. NDAS offer a 24 hour helpline as well as several drop in services throughout the county. https://www.ndas.co/

Housing Support - Free information and advice to anyone who is homeless or worried about becoming homeless https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/housing-options/housing-advice