Peak Academy in Dursley has received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, marking its highest inspection result in ten years. Inspectors described the school as “aspirational,” highlighting strong performances in key areas including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
This achievement reflects a significant turnaround for Peak Academy, a specialist school dedicated to pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. It is the first time since 2015 that the school has earned ‘Good’ in these categories.
The school caters to young people who have struggled in mainstream educational settings, offering a fresh start in a supportive and structured environment. Many students arrive at Peak Academy after experiencing permanent exclusion or extended periods out of school.
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Ofsted praised the school’s “unwavering determination” to deliver high-quality learning opportunities alongside social support tailored to each pupil’s individual needs. Inspectors noted that Peak Academy helps pupils re-engage with education and fosters a sense of contribution to their community.
Central to the school’s success are the strong relationships built between staff and students. Pupils benefit from warm, nurturing interactions that create a safe and inclusive atmosphere, enabling them to build confidence and overcome barriers to learning.
Peak Academy’s journey has not been without challenges. Since opening in 2012, it has been part of multiple academy trusts and faced fluctuations in inspection outcomes. After an ‘Inadequate’ rating in its first 2014 inspection and again in 2021, the school joined Reach South Academy Trust in 2022. Under new leadership, it has achieved its best Ofsted result in a decade.
Elisa Entwistle, Headteacher of Peak Academy, commented: “This Ofsted inspection marks a real milestone for us. It reflects the dedicated work of our staff, the resilience of our pupils, and the support from Reach South. We are proud of how our students transform challenges into qualifications, confidence, and aspirations for their futures.”
Dean Ashton, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust, added: “Peak Academy exemplifies the power of strong leadership, care, and belief in every child’s potential. The progress made here inspires our ongoing efforts to improve education across the region, including the development of two new free schools in Gloucester and Wiltshire.”