The report, published by Ofsted this week, follows an inspection at the Rochdale secondary school on 7 and 8 January 2025. It was the school’s first Ofsted inspection since joining Star Academies – one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts – in March 2022. Prior to converting to Star Academies, the predecessor school was judged ‘Inadequate’ at its last inspection in 2020.
The report is complimentary about many aspects of the school and marks an important milestone in the academy’s journey. It highlights the effective actions taken to improve the quality of education, with the inspectors observing that ‘the impact of the trust’s work is evident across every aspect of the school’.
Inspectors noted the feedback provided to them by pupils, reporting that they ‘appreciate that the school is calm and orderly’ and that ‘pupils place a high value on behaving in accordance with the school’s expectations. They conduct themselves well’. The report highlighted the school’s ‘harmonious and welcoming school community’ and that ‘pupils are considerate and kind to each other.’
The range of opportunities available for pupils to develop their leadership skills and participate in extra-curricular activities was noted, with the report stating that pupils ‘take pride in helping people in their local community’ and ‘learn the value of serving others.’ Inspectors commented on the school’s ‘strong emphasis on developing pupils as future leaders’ and on the impact of the school’s personal development programme, saying ‘Pupils develop confidence by embracing opportunities to develop new talents and interests’. They also recognised the strength of the work that takes place to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, stating that ‘their learning about different faiths and cultures helps to ensure that they are tolerant and accepting of others.’
The report acknowledges improvements to the quality of teaching and learning, with inspectors commenting that ‘since the school joined the trust, it has taken effective action to improve the quality of education that it provides’. On teaching, the report states that ‘teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use this to explain new concepts clearly and to enthuse pupils about their subjects.’ It also praises pupils’ conduct during lessons: ‘Pupils enjoy learning. They listen to their teachers. This helps to create purposeful classrooms where learning is rarely disrupted.’
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was commended by inspectors, who reported that ‘the school has greatly strengthened its provision for pupils with SEND. The needs of these pupils are swiftly and accurately identified’ and that ‘as a result, pupils with SEND learn well alongside their peers’.
The school’s work to support all pupils to develop their reading skills was also identified as a strength, with inspectors complimenting its Star Readers programme and commenting that ‘those pupils who struggle to read well, benefit from carefully targeted support that helps to swiftly address gaps in their reading knowledge.’
Adrian Smale, Principal at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy, said:
“Securing a ‘Good’ rating in all areas from Ofsted is a significant achievement for the school and the wider community. It is testament to the hard work and commitment of our wonderful pupils, parents, staff and governors. This positive progress demonstrates that the measures implemented by the school’s leadership team and Star Academies are leading to improved educational provision for our young people.
“Whilst we rightly celebrate and recognise the importance of this milestone, we remain focused, determined and ambitious in our pursuit to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ level of education. Our aim is to ensure that all pupils attain the highest possible outcomes and are supported in fulfilling their potential both as learners and as members of the community.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services and Education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Rochdale’s young people and the wider community. Oulder Hill Leadership Academy has made incredible progress, and I want to say a huge well done to the staff, pupils and leadership team for their dedication and hard work.
“It’s especially great to see the strengthened support for pupils with special educational needs being recognised, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“I look forward to seeing the school continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead, giving our children the best possible start in life.”