Welcome, Ethos & Values

Pete Fox, Executive Head Teacher

At Great Park Academy, our principal aim is to foster high expectations and high standards of achievement, both academic and personal. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that nurtures their potential and encourages them to aim high.

We are proud to be a member of Gosforth Group, a family of schools united by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and 'Creating Futures' for every student. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver an outstanding education and ensures that our students benefit from a broad network of support and opportunity.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We promote honesty, trust, and reliability, and we teach respect for the rights of others, care for those who need extra support, and kindness towards all. We also instil a deep regard for the environment and the importance of personal responsibility.

We believe that a calm, friendly, and disciplined atmosphere where hard work and cooperation are celebrated is the best foundation for learning and personal growth.

I’m proud to work alongside Catherine Billingsley, our Head of School, whose leadership is marked by dedication, warmth, and a clear vision for our school community. Catherine’s commitment to our shared ethos shines through in every aspect of school life. Her belief in the potential of every student, combined with her compassionate and respectful approach, helps make Great Park Academy a place where learning is joyful and relationships are strong.

Under Catherine’s guidance, Great Park continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and aspirational school. We are proud of our students, our staff, and the community we serve and we look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Katherine Billingsley, Head of School

Great Park Academy, a school where every child is known, valued, and inspired to achieve their very best.

It is a privilege to lead such a vibrant and caring school community. At Great Park, we are deeply committed to creating an environment where learning is joyful, relationships are strong, and every student feels supported to grow both academically and personally.

Our ethos is built on kindness, respect, and high expectations. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we work hard to ensure that every child feels safe, encouraged, and challenged. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through creative and cultural experiences, we aim to nurture confident, curious learners who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.

I am proud of the dedication and passion shown by our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our families. Together, we are building a school where excellence is expected, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Great Park Academy. I look forward to welcoming you into our school community.

School Ethos and Values

We are guided by principles of integrity, dependability, mutual respect, compassion for those in need, environmental responsibility, and kindness in our interactions.

We foster a calm, welcoming, and well-ordered environment where diligence and teamwork are appreciated, believing this to be the most effective way to nurture and uphold these values.

We aim to:

Recognise and value each student (school or adult) as an individual with his or her particular abilities, needs and aspirations.
Offer learning experiences which extend students and promote their personal development, regardless of academic, social or cultural background.
Ensure a genuine equality of opportunity.
Build self-esteem and confidence through membership in a caring, secure community.
Celebrate the success and achievements of all students.
Offer guidance and counselling to assist students in the planning of their future education and careers.
Promote working partnerships between schools and the wider community at local, national and international levels.
Encourage a love of learning that will be with our students throughout their lives.