Turmoil-hit Counthill turns the corner

A SCHOOL which was ordered to improve by inspectors is making good progress.

The education watchdog Ofsted has praised rising standards and attendance at Counthill — which has replaced around a third of its staff.

The Moorside secondary has a history if problems and super-head Margaret Ryan was appointed in 2005 to turn it around.

Trouble-shooter David Lack took over in 2008 and the governing body was then sacked amid union claims of a culture of fear.

Counthill will merge with Breeze Hill next year in a new academy run by Oldham College. But an Ofsted inspection in January found low achievement, particularly in years 7, 8 and 9.

It was given a formal notice to improve and inspector Bernard Campbell visited last month to check its progress.

He found that approximately a third of staff had joined since January, many of them newly-qualified teachers. There have also been significant changes to senior management and he said: “The school is making good progress in addressing the issues for improvement and in raising the pupils’ achievement.

“School leaders have taken robust and effective action to improve attainment, learning and progress.”

Highlights from his report include significantly improved GCSE results, a significant reduction in persistent absence, improved teaching, more enjoyable lessons, more contact with parents and good support from Oldham Council.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “Ofsted is continuing to monitor Counthill School closely and since their last inspection there have been significant changes in senior management, with a restructure and improved leadership and management at other tiers.

“I’m pleased to note that the inspector feels that good progress is being made.