Primary progress praised

A STRUGGLING primary school has improved since it became an academy in September, 2012.

Ofsted inspectors who visited Stoneleigh Academy, Vulcan Street, Derker, rated it as “good” (grade 2).

It was only classed as “satisfactory” (grade 3) in its two previous inspections before it was taken over by Oldham College.

But Ofsted says that pupils’ achievements have improved, staff have rebuilt parents’ confidence in the school and pupil numbers are rising.

Parents are unanimous in praising improvements in behaviour and say that bullying has been eradicated. Attendance has also increased rapidly and pupils are developing a “healthy attitude to having ambition for their lives.”

Pupils’ development is well below that expected when they join the nursery and reception. But provision has improved significantly, they make rapid progress and their achievement is outstanding.

“Given that their starting points are well below typical, that equates for good achievement overall,” said inspectors.

Inspectors also praised teaching, the way the academy cares for its pupils and the wide range of clubs and activities.
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