Schools making the grade with Ofsted

Almost half of Oldham’s schools have been rated as good or outstanding since new Ofsted inspections began last year.

The figures are from inspections in the first two terms since September, 2009, when the education watchdog concentrated on weaker schools and less frequent inspections of the better ones.

Since then, 13 Oldham schools have been checked with Delph Primary, Burnley Brow Community School and Glodwick Infant and Nursery all rated as outstanding. St Hilda’s and Higher Failsworth primaries were good.

Counthill School, which was ordered to improve last year, turned its fortunes around and was judged as “good” in a re-inspection in March.

Schools classed as “satisfactory” were:

St Augustine’s and Kaskenmoor secondaries; St Margaret’s, Hollinwood; St Thomas’s, Werneth; Alexandra Park Juniors; St Martin’s, Fitton Hill; and Werneth Primary.

Nationally, 47 per cent of schools were in special measures, ordered to improve or just satisfactory.

Tony Harrison, of Oldham NUT, said: “Ofsted judgements often say more about the Ofsted team than they do about the quality of the school.

“Only a small percentage of Oldham schools have been inspected since the criteria by which Ofsted judges schools was changed, about 12 per cent, so it is far too early to make a judgement on Oldham schools.

“However, even using the flawed Ofsted criteria, it is pleasing to see almost all schools have been receiving satisfactory grades or better.”

Councillor Jack Hulme said: “While we can never be complacent and always strive to improve educational attainment, these figures are very satisfying.”