Improved results for new academies

Oldham’s three academies posted their first GCSE results since opening in September, 2010.
Waterhead Academy leads the way with 46 per cent of pupils getting at least five A* to Cs, including English and maths. This compares to 48 per cent and 38 per cent at Counthill and Breeze Hill respectively which it replaced.

Principal Nigel McQuoid said: “In the first year as an academy, with all of the changes and challenges involved, we are delighted with the fact that our 2011 results represent the best ever scores for our students.

“The overall picture at Waterhead is clearly a positive and improving one with our successful Ofsted inspection and our continuing improvements in behaviour, attendance and effort.”

The figure at Oldham Academy North, previously Grange School, is up from 37 per cent to 44 per cent.

But Oasis Academy Oldham is in the bottom 200 schools nationally with 37 per cent compared to its predecessor schools of Kaskenmoor (26 per cent) and South Chadderton (44 per cent).

Associate principal Michael Taylor said: “These results are historical. Since last July, our staff have worked hard to develop the academy and we have improved in every respect, as Ofsted noted in their recent report.

“Because of the work we are doing, our results for this academic year will show a significant increase and we expect a record number of students to gain a place at college. Moreover, the changes we are making will help to ensure that our results will improve year-on-year from now on.

“You also have to put the figures in context. Simple comparisons do not take any account of the unique issues in any particular school. The headline results do not take any account of the level of attainment of the pupils when they start at the school or of the local area.”



The full league table is available in tonight’s paper Chronicle edition and eChron