OFSTED inspectors endorse Saddleworth as a "Good" School

Saddleworth School is celebrating after an Ofsted-team judged the school to be 'good' against all criteria.

An inspection team of two of Her Majesty's Inspectors and three existing headteachers visited the secondary school on March 10 and 11 and published its findings in a new report. The inspectors attended dozens of lessons, met with pupils, staff and governors and looked carefully at pupils' books scrutinising the quality of marking and feedback.

The report finds the headteacher, senior leaders, middle leaders managers and governors all have a sharp focus on improvement and a clear vision. Governors, it says, know the school well, provide good challenge and offer effective support to leaders’ pursuit of improvement.

The quality of teaching is good with senior and middle leaders continuing to drive for improvement in teaching and achievement - and the school has a good system of rewards and incentives which motivate students in their learning.

The school has 1,350 pupils and the inspection team found that students' behaviour was good, showing courtesy, respect and a pride in their appearance.

Good teaching has led to high attainment over time with pupils doing significantly better than their peers nationally in English. They are also achieving well and make good progress from their starting points in mathematics.

The school was last inspected in December 2010 and was then also rated 'good' – since when a much tougher Ofsted inspection regime has been introduced.

Matthew Milburn, Saddleworth School Headteacher, said: "We're very happy with this Ofsted report and huge credit should go to all the pupils and staff for gaining such a positive outcome from this inspection."

"We know that nationally the Ofsted inspection regime has got much tougher since we were last inspected, so this is a positive result. Whilst there is still plenty for us to work on and improve, the judgement is a real vote of confidence in the school and its people and it enables us to look to the future in the knowledge that we are on the right track. We now want to build on these achievements so that we can deliver the very best learning opportunities for our children that will help them to reach their full potential."

The inspection also found that pupils get good information, advice and guidance and they are well prepared for their next steps in their education or employment journey.

Leaders ensure that they behave well and are safe, and attendance is excellent – with exclusions rare.

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural education they receive is good and it prepares students well for life in modern Britain.

Article added on Wednesday 29th April 2015

Article Gallery