Sale Grammar School in Trafford has become one of the first in Greater Manchester to achieve an 'exceptional' rating in all areas under Ofsted's new grading system. The government watchdog praised the school for its 'commendably high' attendance, 'incredible' teaching, and 'civically minded' sixth formers.
Sale Grammar School's 'exceptional' report
Ofsted inspector Neil Johnson found: "In lessons, pupils and students in the sixth form show a profoundly proud and flawless commitment to their learning. Their behaviour is impeccable. The positive attitudes to school life echo throughout the school day. At social times, pupils lead activities to create a joyful hubbub of energy, enthusiasm and friendship."
Kids leave school 'incredibly well-prepared' and with a clear idea for their future, while staff go out of their way to remove barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, Johnson added.
Headteacher Mrs Smith said: "It is such a privilege to be the Headteacher of Sale Grammar School. Every day I see students enjoying their learning, building friendships, supporting others and demonstrating a real sense of pride in belonging to our wonderful school community. Our students are fantastic individuals who want to learn more about themselves, each other and the world around them, and our parents and carers work in partnership with us to encourage each student to achieve their very best.
"Our students are supported by an incredible team of staff who work tirelessly so that our young people can achieve across all areas of their lives, and they are surrounded by a wonderful team of governors and leaders whose tenacity and never-ending commitment to the success of everyone is inspiring. We are delighted that all these things and more were seen during our recent Ofsted visit and we remain committed to working together across our school community so that all students continue to flourish and experience the transformational power of education here at Sale Grammar School."
Two schools placed into special measures
Meanwhile, two Greater Manchester schools have been placed into special measures in the past month. St Bernard's RC Primary School in Burnage is 'failing to provide an acceptable standard of education', according to its latest inspection. The report discovered 'longstanding weaknesses' in teaching, 'ineffective' support for kids with SEND needs, and 'significant gaps' in pupils' knowledge.
Inspector David Lobodzinski found 'most pupils struggle to build the knowledge they need to achieve success' because teachers fail to correct their work. Attendance levels have been 'far too low' and many who do attend arrive late. Lobodzinski noted the school had experienced 'a period of considerable turbulence' as a result of staffing issues and increased behavioural issues, but found leaders 'have not acted with sufficient urgency to improve longstanding weaknesses in pupils' education'.
A spokesperson on behalf of the school said: "The governors and staff are clearly very disappointed with the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection. The school and the diocese are committed to continuing the improvements for the pupils at St Bernard's. We are confident that with the implementation of a robust action plan which addresses all areas of improvement identified by the Ofsted report, we can address the concerns raised in the report. We will continue to put the welfare and education of our pupils at the heart of everything we do."
St Matthew's CofE Primary School in Stretford was placed into special measures over its 'disjointed and poorly taught' curriculum, with an inspector pointing to recent turbulence in staffing and behaviour as the root cause. Inspector Dianne Holcroft found changes to leaders and staff over a long period have disrupted pupils' learning. By the end of Year 6, the proportion of pupils achieving the standards expected in national tests and assessments is below the national average. Pupils have significant gaps in their spelling, handwriting and number knowledge.
New Ofsted report cards
The reports are among more than a dozen new inspections issued on schools across the region in November so far, with a mixed bag of outcomes. Ofsted's 'new look' report cards have moved away from one-word summaries like 'good', 'outstanding', or 'requires improvement'. Instead inspectors give a descriptive assessment aimed at guardians that 'gives a clearer picture of what's working well and where the next steps for improvement are'. The report cards show colour-coded grades for different areas like 'attendance and behaviour', 'achievement', 'personal development and well-being', and 'inclusion'. These areas are graded on a new scale of 'exceptional', 'strong standard', 'expected standard', 'needs attention' and 'urgent improvement'.
Below is a summary of every Ofsted inspection published for Greater Manchester primary and secondary schools for the period October 15 to November 14, by borough in alphabetical order.
Bolton and Bury
Mytham Primary School in Little Lever achieved an 'expected standard' in most areas. Inspector Tim Vaughan said: "Pupils love their time at this school and attend regularly. They make many friends. Pupils know that the school is a caring, happy place in which they can learn." However, sometimes the teaching 'does not focus enough on gaps in pupils' knowledge', and some kids 'do not achieve as well as they could in some of their reading, writing and mathematics'.
Manchester Mesivta School in Prestwich was told it 'needs attention' on its achievement, attendance, teaching, and Post-16 provision. It achieved the expected standard for inclusion, leadership, and personal development. Ofsted inspector Lisa Corrigan praised pupils for 'working well and demonstrating positive behaviour', but added 'some do not attend regularly enough'.
Manchester and Oldham
St Agnes C of E Primary School on Hamilton Road was commended by Ofsted, with inspector Andy Scholz stating 'pupils are proud to belong to this welcoming school community'. But while the school achieved expected standards in most areas, Scholz said staff needed to pay more attention to attainment. He wrote: "In several subjects, particularly reading, pupils develop their knowledge and skills well over time. However, attainment is less secure in mathematics and writing, where pupils do not achieve as well as they could."
Wilbraham Primary on Platt Lane in Fallowfield was praised for its 'deep respect for diversity'. Inspector Elliot Costas-Walker found: "Pupils are proud and confident to celebrate who they are. Staff carefully reduce pupils' barriers to learning and wellbeing. This is especially true for those pupils who are new to the country and pupils with SEND."
Oasis Academy Temple achieved expected standards in all areas of its Ofsted report, and a strong standard in inclusion. Inspector Emily Morris said: "Pupils have a deep sense of belonging to this community-centred school which embraces cultural diversity. Pupils and their families, particularly those who speak English as an additional language, know that they are welcomed, listened to and accepted."
St Peter's Catholic School in Wythenshawe achieved an expected standard in most areas and a strong standard in inclusion. The government watchdog found: "Those pupils who need extra support to manage their emotions receive this in a sensitive manner. This helps them to make improvements to their behaviour."
St Thomas CofE Primary School in Werneth received praise from Ofsted for its strong standards of attendance, inclusion, and personal development. Inspector Andy Scholz wrote: "Staff help pupils to unlock the talents and potential that leaders describe as the 'treasure within' every child. Children in the early years settle quickly into routines and learn in nurturing environments."
St Edwards Roman Catholic Primary in Lees, Oldham, was found to meet expected standards and achieve well in inclusion and personal development in its first inspection since academy conversion. Inspector Elliot Costas-Walker described the school as 'a community where everyone is made to feel welcome'.
Rochdale and Salford
Newhouse Academy in Heywood moved from 'requiring improvement' to achieving the expected standards in all areas. In the review penned by Richard McGuire, the school was noted for its 'warm relationships' between pupils and staff. McGuire wrote: "Pupils are proud to attend Newhouse Academy. They show an enthusiasm for learning when they can work independently, especially in practical subjects."
Boarshaw Community Primary School achieved expected standards in all areas and was praised for a 'calm, orderly environment'. The review by Usman Kothia praised the Middleton primary for introducing youngsters to everything from ballet performances to local sporting events. "They thrive in a culture of mutual respect," Kothia wrote. "This warm, inclusive culture helps pupils attend school regularly."
St Peter's CofE Primary School in Swinton received a warm review after meeting all expected standards. Inspector Rebecca Jewitt wrote: "Pupils enjoy attending this caring school. This is a learning community that promotes values, such as kindness and perseverance."
Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan
Priestnall School in Heaton Mersey has undergone a positive 'transformation' since being told it 'requires improvement' at its last Ofsted inspection. Inspector Sally Rix found kids were 'highly appreciative' of the changes, which included investments into sports facilities and strengthened teaching. "As a result, pupils feel happy in school. They attend regularly, keen to make the most of the wealth of opportunities on offer," Rix found.
St Thomas More RC College in Denton achieved expected standards in all areas in its latest report. Ofsted inspector Amina Modan wrote: "Pupils forge admirable relationships with their peers and staff. They show mutual respect and understanding to each other."
Droylsden Academy received encouraging feedback from Ofsted. Inspector Neil Johnson found that the school has a 'purposeful learning environment'. Kids attain above the national average and leave the school well-prepared for their futures. Johnson wrote: "Pupils know what is expected of them as they arrive at school. They wear their uniform with pride and have the correct equipment to make a success of the day ahead."
Bollin Primary School in Altrincham received high praise from Ofsted. Children in the early years get off to a 'flying start', according to inspector Jo Costello. "The ambitious curriculum challenges them to make connections, deepen their understanding and develop a positive mindset," Costello wrote. "At the end of Year 6, outcomes exceed national averages."
Byrchall High School in Ashton-in-Makerfield has ticked all the boxes for the government watchdog. Government officer Tom Theobold complimented the school on its enrichment programmes. "Pupils who face barriers to their education or wellbeing typically get the support they need," Theobold added. "The majority of pupils make appropriate progress from their starting points."
St James' CofE Primary School in Wigan is a 'happy place' where kids 'feel included, valued and understood', an Ofsted inspection has found. The school achieved the expected standard in all areas. Inspector Steve Bentham described the 'dedicated staff' who prepare kids well for their next steps in education and helped maintain a 'calm school environment'.
