Saddleworth School to apply for academy status

Saddleworth School. Image courtesy of Oldham Council

Saddleworth School Governors have taken the decision to begin the process of applying for academy status and to join the Cranmer Education Trust.

Saddleworth’s Headteacher, Mr Anderson, said: “The Governors at Saddleworth have been exploring the potential benefits and opportunities that becoming an academy and joining a multi-academy trust could bring to our school for over 12 months.” 

He explained “that the decision has only been reached after careful consideration and thorough research,” adding “the Governing body appointed a working party who met with representatives from a number of local academies and multi-academy trusts to learn about their ethos, vision and values and what the benefits to our students, staff and school would be.

“Governors chose the Cranmer Education Trust because they feel it was the best fit for Saddleworth as a well-respected local multi-academy trust with lots of experience and expertise in the secondary sector.

“It’s also a Trust with whom we already have strong relationships and existing links with.

"We already work together on teacher training and development, becoming a member of the Trust would strengthen this further.”

The Cranmer Education Trust includes 10 other schools in Oldham and Rochdale, including The Blue Coat School, Brian Clarke CE, Mayfield Primary and East Crompton St George’s Primary, with The Radclyffe School and St Matthew’s Primary on course to join in 2025.

The Trust also runs the Manchester Nexus SCITT, the teacher training hub for Oldham and Rochdale, and the Northern Alliance Teaching School co-ordinating professional development for teachers across the northwest.

“We want to ensure  our students and staff get the very best opportunities whilst learning and working at Saddleworth School," added Mr Anderson.

"The trustees at Cranmer are local people who are committed to improving the outcomes and experience of young people in Oldham.

“They share our values of striving for the very best for young people and developing school communities which enable all students to thrive and flourish.

"That’s why we feel Cranmer is the right choice for Saddleworth’s future."

Mr Anderson went on to say: “The full process of academy conversion can take 12-18 months, during which we will hold a full public consultation with all stakeholders and are keen that everyone has the opportunity to take part.

“In the meantime, we have started a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section on our website which we will continue adding to so that students, staff, parents, carers and our wider community have all of the information they need.”

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