Lydiard Park Academy

What Lydiard Park Academy does

Lydiard Park Academy is a state-funded secondary school located in Grange Park, Swindon, UK, serving students aged 11-18 across Years 7-13. It is a member of The Park Academies Trust (TPAT), a UK Multi Academy Trust led by CEO Mrs G Piper, with Mrs G Piper providing overarching Trust leadership and Gary Pearson serving as Principal of the school until his retirement on 31 August 2026. Admissions are administered through the Swindon Borough Council process, with the school drawing students from its local catchment and running open evenings to engage Year 6 families.

The school's core educational offering covers the National Curriculum across nine subject faculties (Art and Design; Computing, IT, Business, Economics and Travel and Tourism; English and Media; Humanities; Mathematics; Modern Foreign Languages; Performing Arts; Physical Education; Science) for Years 7-11, supplemented by the TPAT Sixth Form for A-Level study. Beyond core curriculum, LPA operates several differentiated programmes: the School of Solutions provides alternative provision for at-risk students; the Swindon Teacher Training Partnership (STTP) positions LPA as the lead school for a UWE-partnered teacher training consortium across five schools; and a structured Careers Programme connects pupils with employers including Arval UK, Intel, Zebra Technologies, the Bank of England, and the Royal Navy. The school's technology stack is standard for UK secondary academies, comprising Microsoft 365 (Teams for remote learning, SharePoint as TPAT Hub, Azure), Arbor for the student information system with parent portal, Foldr for remote access, Epraise for behaviour and rewards, ParentPay for payments, and Accelerated Reader for literacy monitoring.

Commercially, LPA is a state-funded academy and does not charge tuition fees. Revenue is derived from the UK Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) on a per-student formula basis, making it structurally a non-commercial entity with no equity funding, no M&A activity, and no disclosed individual-school financials (figures sit within TPAT consolidated accounts). The school is rated Good by Ofsted (confirmed in its 2024 inspection), was awarded Wellbeing Trust of the Year at the 2023 Multi Academy Trust Excellence Awards, and its School of Solutions was shortlisted for the 2024 World's Best School Prize. Leadership is in transition with Principal Gary Pearson's retirement effective August 2026.

Name

Lydiard Park Academy

Legal name

Lydiard Park Academy

Website

https://lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Lydiard Park Academy is a state-funded secondary school in Swindon, UK, serving students aged 11-18 across Years 7-13 including a Sixth Form. It is part of The Park Academies Trust and operates as a non-fee-charging, ESFA-funded institution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Swindon

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: State-funded secondary school receiving core funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for delivering the National Curriculum to students aged 11-18. Revenue is formula-based per student.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Lydiard Park Academy delivers state-funded secondary education to students aged 11-16 across Years 7-11 in line with the National Curriculum, plus post-16 A-Level provision through TPAT Sixth Form. Core subjects span nine faculties including Art and Design, Computing/IT/Business/Economics, English and Media, Humanities, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Science. The school supplements classroom teaching with a structured Careers Programme, a Sports Academy, Performing Arts productions, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the innovative School of Solutions alternative-provision programme for at-risk students.

Product overview

Lydiard Park Academy offers a comprehensive secondary education as part of The Park Academies Trust (TPAT). The core offering is secondary school education (Years 7-11) across nine subject faculties, supplemented by TPAT Sixth Form for post-16 A-Level studies. Additional educational programmes include the Swindon Teacher Training Partnership (STTP) for teacher qualification, a structured Careers Programme, Sports Academy, Performing Arts, and the innovative School of Solutions for at-risk students. The school operates a house system, offers extra-curricular clubs, and provides remote learning access via Foldr and Microsoft Teams.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Secondary School Education (Years 7-11) Comprehensive secondary education programme for students in Years 7-11 (ages 11-16) following the National Curriculum, delivered across nine subject faculties: Art and Design, Computing/IT/Business/Economics, English and Media, Humanities, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Science. Leads to GCSE qualifications.
• TPAT Sixth Form Post-16 education offering A-Level qualifications for students aged 16-18. Sixth Form students have access to TPAT Sixth Form Calendars and dedicated sixth form facilities, with high university progression rates including strong placement at Russell Group institutions.
• Swindon Teacher Training Partnership (STTP) School direct initial teacher training programme in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE). Lydiard Park Academy serves as lead school, with partner schools including Abbey Park School, St Joseph's, Commonweal, and Highworth Warneford. Leads to PGCE qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Careers Programme Structured careers education offering with dedicated zones for employers, parents, pupils and staff. Includes annual Careers Fair, Mock Interview programme, work experience placements, and partnerships with local businesses including Arval UK.
• Sports Academy and PE Programme Specialist sports programme including a Sports Academy, clubs and enrichment activities. The school has achieved success in rugby (multiple Swindon championships), football, and other sports competitions including Wiltshire Cup wins.
• Performing Arts Drama productions, musical performances, and arts festival participation. The school has achieved success at the Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival and runs the 'We Will Rock You' production programme.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award DofE expedition programme for students, with Year 10 participating in the qualification expedition component.
• School of Solutions Innovative school-within-a-school model providing targeted support for students at risk of exclusion or struggling with attendance. Students spend three days in regular school and two days in the School of Solutions programme.

Quantifiable outcome

• 63% of A-Level entries achieved A* to B grades with 100% pass rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Park Academies Trust (TPAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLydiard Park Academy is a proud member of The Park Academies Trust, a family of schools committed to delivering exceptional education. The Trust provides governance, shared resources, CPD programs, and a unified ethos (Ambition, Courage, Respect, Integrity) across member schools.
• University of the West of England (UWE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLPA is the lead school for the Swindon Teacher Training Partnership (STTP), a school direct training programme in partnership with UWE. UWE delivers core teacher training programme elements and guides trainees through academic assignments leading to PGCE qualification.
• Swindon Teacher Training Partnership (STTP) SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership comprises Lydiard Park Academy (lead school), Abbey Park School, St Joseph's, Commonweal and Highworth Warneford school for teacher training delivery.
• Youth Sport TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through 'Beyond the Baseline' programme featuring Paralympian Louise Hunt Skelley for leadership development activities with Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils.
• Arval UKminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArval UK has played a significant part in the development of LPA's school careers programme. Supports annual Mock Interview programme and Careers Fair, and allows pupils to visit their premises to learn about job roles.
• Bespoke Guardians Swindon WildcatsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal ice hockey team. Arval UK donated over 200 tickets to watch Swindon Wildcats as part of partnership supporting local families.
• Intel CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner15 Year 9 computer science pupils visited Intel Corporation in Swindon for robotics and programming tasks, hands-on experience with computer components, and careers talk with senior director.
• Zebra TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner40 pupils across Year 9 and 10 visited Zebra Technologies near Slough to learn how technology is integral to daily lives. Company supports major retailers like Amazon with distribution solutions.
• Gateway ChurchminorOthersLPA supports Swindon Toy Appeal by delivering donated toys to Gateway Church in Westlea for distribution to families in need.
• Night KitchenminorOthersOrganization that helps feed and support those in need or homeless. Sixth form students organized donations and created packs for Night Kitchen.
• Swindon Food Bank / SN Food CollectiveminorOthersSchool community supports Swindon Food Bank through regular donations of cleaning products and food supplies.
• The Happy Confident CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheir social-emotional and character skills programs equip School of Solutions students with emotional vocabulary, self-awareness, optimism, growth mindset, resilience and empathy.
• NoticeAbilitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrograms instrumental in School of Solutions model, supporting at-risk students with targeted interventions.
• Villiers ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Future Leaders Awards and IRIS (Institute for Research In Schools) projects. Year 10 students completed Treezilla research project and achieved awards.
• IRIS (Institute for Research In Schools)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents complete scientific research projects through IRIS, enabling achievement of IRIS and CREST Awards alongside Future Leaders Awards.
• Royal NavyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoyal Navy chefs delivered Ready Steady Cook workshop for Year 10 Food Catering classes, teaching culinary skills and career opportunities in catering service.
• The Savoy HotelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYear 10 Hospitality and Catering students visited The Savoy Hotel in London for personalized tour including Royal Suite and sessions with executive chef and HR director.
• RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents participate in annual Big Garden Birdwatch survey, contributing to world's largest wildlife survey.
• Classics for All and Bristol UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Ovid in the West Country competition. Prize-giving ceremonies held at prestigious venues including Wills Memorial Building at Bristol University.
• Barnardo'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeer4Support programme originally started by Barnardo's. Staff trained by Barnardo's to run programme that trains students to support peers' mental health and wellbeing.
• Bank of EnglandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYear 11 Business students visited Bank of England for presentations on monetary policy and vault tours.
• Museum of BrandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYear 11 Business students visited Museum of Brands in Notting Hill, London for education on brand evolution and identity.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• St Joseph's Catholic College: Swindon-based secondary school and STTP partner school, comparable in scale, governance model, and the Swindon student catchment LPA draws from.
• Abbey Park School: Sister secondary school within The Park Academies Trust, also based in Swindon, sharing governance, resources, and sixth-form provision. Operates the same TPAT model and is the closest direct comparable in terms of catchment, structure, and outcomes.
• The Commonweal School: Co-located Swindon secondary school and STTP partner alongside LPA. Comparable in being a non-selective secondary serving the local Swindon catchment, with overlapping employer and university partnership opportunities.
• Nova Hreod Academy: Secondary academy serving the Swindon catchment. Competes with LPA for the same Year 7 cohort via local authority admissions and offers a comparable KS3–KS4 academic offer.
• Swindon Academy: Local Swindon secondary school competing for the same Year 7 intake. Comparable in being a multi-academy trust secondary serving the same geographic market.
• Highworth Warneford School: STTP partner secondary school in the wider Swindon area. Comparable in operating model (KS3–KS5 state-funded provision) and in jointly delivering teacher training with LPA.

Broad incumbents

• United Learning: Large UK MAT operating state and independent schools. Comparable as a multi-school group with shared curriculum, wellbeing, and staff development programmes, though operating at much greater scale than TPAT.
• Harris Federation: One of the largest UK multi-academy trusts, operating many secondary academies. Comparable as a portfolio operator of state-funded secondaries with shared back-office, CPD, and teacher training infrastructure analogous to TPAT/STTP.
• The Park Academies Trust (TPAT): Parent multi-academy trust operating several Swindon-area schools. Directly comparable in MAT governance, shared services, and per-pupil funding model, with LPA being its most prominent member school.
• Ormiston Academies Trust: National UK MAT running many secondary academies. Comparable in operating model (charitable MAT running state-funded secondaries) and in the kinds of wellbeing and alternative-provision programmes that LPA has invested in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/lp_academy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdvbQwGDOFCdbxzDb6KEVgQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/lpacademy
• Instagraminstagram.com/lydiardpark.academy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-lydiard-park-academy

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lydiard Park Academy