Chadderton school head delighted with 'good' rating from Ofsted

Mr Barnes-Moran and Mr Lonsdale are pictured with a group of St Luke's pupils

A Chadderton primary school is celebrating being judged as 'good' in all areas following a recent inspection by Ofsted.

St Luke’s CE Primary School on Albion Street was graded as 'good' in September 2023 for the quality of education, the behaviour and attitudes of its pupils, its leadership and management, the personal development of its pupils and its early years provision, after previously being judged as ‘requires improvement’ in 2020.

Inspectors commented that ‘the school is successfully reversing a legacy of underachievement’ and that ‘there are strong relationships between pupils and staff’.

Headteacher, Michael Lonsdale, said of the report: “I am absolutely delighted with the judgement and am incredibly proud of all the staff and pupils for all their hard work.

"St Luke’s is a caring, friendly and happy place and we are all so pleased that Ofsted have recognised this.”

The school, which has 210 pupils aged between 5 and 11, was told it 'required improvement' for leadership and management, quality of education and early years provision after its last inspection in 2020.

Following the judgement, a new headteacher and deputy headteacher were appointed to oversee the school’s turnaround.

Parents now describe the school as “fostering an environment where each child can excel and grow as a person”.

Ofsted commented upon the good behaviour of pupils as well as the progress made by most pupils and support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Chair of Governors, Margaret Hughes, said: “The comments by the inspectors are a great affirmation of the team work by pupils, staff, parents and governors that has gone into making our school the place it is today - ambitious for all its pupils to be the very best they can be, nurturing and friendly, offering not just a good learning environment but also extra-curricular experiences aimed at expanding horizons.”

Deputy Headteacher, Joseph Barnes-Moran, said: "Transforming the curriculum was a team effort.

"Subjects leaders have worked incredibly hard to bring about this change and should be commended for their commitment to the school, pupils and wider community.”

Inspectors also praised the Early Years, adding: “Children settle into school life quickly.

"Relationships between the school and parents are strong and provide a solid foundation for genuine and effective partnership to support children’s learning and welfare."

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