ACT Schools celebrates strong Estyn inspection report

ACT Schools – ACT’s provision for 11–16-year-olds, which supports pupils with additional educational needs, particularly those facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges – is celebrating a highly positive ESTYN inspection report. ESTYN inspectors commended ACT Schools, which is based in ACT Training’s head office in Cardiff’s Ocean Park House, for its leadership, purposeful teaching, and a culture of continuous improvement as key drivers of success.

The report highlights ACT Schools’ commitment to personalising learning. Each pupil, who is referred to the school by the local authority, now benefits from an individual learning plan (ILP) with measurable targets in literacy, numeracy and well-being.

The school’s curriculum has also been refined to ensure coherence and progression. Pupils now have greater access to enrichment opportunities such as woodworking, gardening and creative arts. A recent collaboration with National Theatre Wales, for example, supported older pupils in developing creative writing and performance skills, reinforcing both engagement and communication.

ACT Schools has been credited for creating an environment that supports both emotional and academic growth. Inspectors noted that pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated – and that staff know their learners well, responding with empathy and consistency.

Richard Spear Managing Director of ACT, said of the inspection report:

“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.

“Our staff work tirelessly to create an environment where learners feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow both emotionally and academically.”

“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 challenges in and out of the classroom, we’re building a learning environment that wraps around the whole learner.” Antony Leach, Head of School added.

Read the full ESTYN report here.