Academy improved considerably

“Waterhead Academy is ambitious for all pupils to succeed, including young people with special educational needs and those who are disadvantaged,” according to education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors noted that the school on Huddersfield Road, Oldham, has improved considerably since its previous inspection.  

They highlighted that the pupils, from a wide range of backgrounds, mixed well with each other and staff cared for the pupils’ well-being and safety. 

Inspectors found that the pupils benefited from the recent improvements that the school has made to the quality of education it provides. 

The report said: “Leaders at all levels, the staff, trustees and members of the local academy board are united and effective in their desire to enable all pupils to have access to a high-quality, broad and ambitious curriculum.  

“The school has made adjustments to what was previously an inadequate curriculum to enable pupils to study each subject in greater depth.  

“Furthermore, with the support of the trust, it has begun to take effective action to address a legacy of poor curriculum delivery.” 

Inspectors said teachers knew their subjects well and in many lessons, they provided clear expectations confidently and regularly checked that pupils understood what was being taught. 

The report said pupils learned about different faiths and cultures with many being active citizens through involvement in their local community by supporting charity work and food banks. 

Inspectors added: “All pupils receive age-appropriate careers education, including independent advice about future careers and further education opportunities.”