Ofsted has rated Yeoman Park Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse outstanding in all categories — education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision.

The academy — part of Diverse Academies Trust — offers a specialist environment for children and young people with ASD and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Ofsted inspectors visited the academy in its current premises, but in April students will be moving into a new, purpose-built school with state-of-the-art facilities.

The report praised the outstanding quality of education and care for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’ at Yeoman Park, and noted that they thrive and are happy thanks to exceptional provision.

Yeoman Park’s unique personal development package was hailed as another strength, while there was 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.

Principal Courtney Hoop said: “What shone through was that communication and the individual learner is at the heart of everything.

“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, 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.”

Trust chief executive David Cotton 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.”