For jacket , trousers & boots, ebay. Then, if you stick to it, buy new as and when you need it. Helmets, no real need to spend mega money, but make sure it fits properly and is comfortable. Gloves too.
The report does say the very best Academies are better; and the very worst, worse than LEAs.
But is that anything to do with being an Academy? Any school failing OFSTED gets a) a kicking, and b) cash to sort itself out. And often c) a new head.
There are lots of bike clubs online. If you know what you're interested in buying especially. Facebook has several buying /selling groups.
The concensus is that Chinese and Korean bikes are at the state Japanese bikes were in the 60s. Cheap, poor spares and quality, and derivative.
To be somewhat more serious than my 1st post.
A lesson going to hell in a handcart is the priority. The teacher will never have time to teach that class, that lesson, ever again. The Bursar sending a letter can (normally ) wait until tomorrow. Unless it is about your pay rise.