ACT Schools earns praise in positive ESTYN inspection for support of pupils with additional needs
ACT Schools earns praise in positive ESTYN inspection for support of pupils with additional needs
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ACT Schools, a specialist education provider for 11–16-year-olds with additional learning needs, has received high praise in a newly published ESTYN inspection report, spotlighting its strong leadership, tailored teaching, and holistic approach to pupil development.
Based in Ocean Park House, Cardiff, ACT Schools operates under the umbrella of ACT Training and supports pupils referred by local authorities who face social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. The latest ESTYN report commended the school’s “purposeful teaching” and “culture of continuous improvement” as central to its ongoing success.
A key highlight from the inspection is ACT Schools’ commitment to personalised learning. Every pupil receives an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), setting measurable goals across literacy, numeracy, and well-being. Inspectors noted that this tailored approach contributes meaningfully to pupils’ academic and personal progress.
The school’s curriculum has also been strategically refined to ensure both coherence and progression. Pupils benefit from a wider range of enrichment opportunities, including woodworking, gardening, and creative arts.
A recent collaboration with National Theatre Wales, for instance, gave older pupils a platform to develop their creative writing and performance skills, enhancing communication, confidence and classroom engagement.
Inspectors also praised the school’s emphasis on emotional development, noting that staff cultivate a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, understood, and motivated to succeed.
Richard Spear, Managing Director of ACT, welcomed the report’s findings, saying: “We are incredibly proud of the latest ESTYN report and the recognition it brings to the exceptional work being done across ACT Schools.
The inspectors have highlighted what we see every day—strong leadership, purposeful teaching, and a genuine commitment to personalising learning for each and every pupil.”
Antony Leach, Head of School, added: “This report is a powerful endorsement of our mission to ensure that every young person, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, has the opportunity to thrive.
“As more young people face difficulties in and out of the classroom, we’re building a learning environment that wraps around the whole learner.”
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