Criticised high school has raised the bar

PRAISED . . . head Mike McGhee

A CATHOLIC high school criticised for providing an inadequate education is making good progress in turning things around.

St Augustine has wasted no time in tackling its problems according to an inspector from the education watchdog Ofsted

In September Ofsted found that the Werneth school, which will merge with Our Lady’s, Royton, had a legacy of underachievment.

It was ordered to raise standards, improve teaching and rigorously monitor the performance of teachers and managers.

But when Ofsted visited recently it found a significant increase in good and outstanding teaching. Attendance has improved significantly, suspensions are falling and behaviour is good with a calm and harmonious atmosphere.

The school is on track to meet its target of 34 per cent of pupils leaving with at least five A to C GCSE grades this year — up from from just 21 per cent in 2008.

“The school has wasted no time in tackling underachievement,” said inspector Caroline Broomhead.

St Augustine will merge with Our Lady’s in a new £30 million high school in Chadderton in 2012 as part of Oldham’s £230 million secondary schools shake-up. Preparation work for the merger was highlighted and Ms Broomhead also praised St Augustine head teacher Mike McGhee.

She added: “He has established high expectations and provides a clear direction for the school.”

Delighted Mr McGhee said: “We are particularly proud that the report comments on the positive culture which now permeates the school.”