Report sees school bow out on a high

A SCHOOL has gone out on a high before it closes to become an academy after receiving praise from inspectors.

Education watchdog Ofsted gave South Chadderton School a “good” rating for progress made since its last inspection in 2007.

The one-time struggling school was warned in 2006 that it was not providing an adequate education and was given “notice to improve”. However, a year later, significantly better teaching meant the notice was lifted.

Now, teaching and learning is judged as good overall with 76 per cent of lessons good or outstanding.

GCSE results show a rapid improvement with a strong indication that targets are likely to be met this year.

The praise comes as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary before closing on August 31 to merge with Kaskenmoor and re-open as Oasis Academy Oldham on the existing Butterworth Lane site.

A new school building, planned to come complete with colour-changing panels, an outdoor pavilion, all-weather pitches, learning zones and two 50ft wind turbines, will open on the former Brook Mill site, off Hollins Road, in July 2012.

Acting head teacher Rachel Quesnel said: “Staff have worked hard to improve standards over the last three years and this has borne fruit.

“We’re proud that the hard work and effort of our dedicated staff and wonderful students has been recognised. We are all delighted with the outcome.

The inspection also recognised that transition plans towards Oasis Academy Oldham are progressing well.”

Inspectors found that all staff have been working hard to ensure that pupils get the best start in September when the academy opens.

They say attendance is consistently good across all year groups, truancy has been eliminated and students are punctual.

The report criticised lessons for being too teacher-led but praised behaviour for learning as good, pupils are courteous and respectful and they make a positive contribution in school and the wider community, it stated.