Oldham school named on Educate Awards 2024 shortlist

E-ACT The Oldham Academy North has been named in this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.

The academy has been shortlisted for two categories, the Innovative and Creative Literacy Award and Most Inspirational Secondary School.

The Oldham Academy North impressed judges with its positive strides in literacy, led by assistant headteacher, Hannah Barlow.

As the strategic lead for literacy, she has ensured that faculty leaders have effectively integrated disciplinary literacy into their curriculums.

All staff, regardless of experience, are held accountable for helping students, especially disadvantaged and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) students, read fluently and at an age-appropriate level.

Hannah also promotes reading for pleasure, having employed a librarian and worked to make the school library a welcoming space where students can enjoy age-appropriate books.

Her efforts have had a notable impact on the school's literacy outcomes.

The academy has rapidly become one of the most successful schools in the country, excelling in academic performance despite serving a highly deprived community in Oldham.

The school boasts a 92.8 per cent attendance rate, exceeding the national average, and achieved a +0.54 progress score in 2023, placing it as one of the top comprehensive schools in the area.

The Oldham Academy North has also been recognised for its exceptional progress with disadvantaged students, consistently outperforming national trends.

In addition to academic success, the academy is dedicated to inclusivity and community cohesion.

Ofsted praised the school for its cultural diversity and welcoming environment, where students of all backgrounds feel a strong sense of belonging.

The academy prioritises staff collaboration, building trust and acting on feedback to drive continued improvement.

The shortlisted school will find out its fate on Friday, November 15, at the glittering Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Featuring 21 diverse categories, the awards shine a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment.

The shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a profound impact in their communities.

The event, which is in partnership with ASL Group, is the largest and most prestigious education awards of its kind.

Schools, colleges, leadership teams, teachers and support staff from across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester come together to celebrate their achievements in a truly unique fashion.

This year, the Educate Awards has seen a record number entrants, highlighting the ongoing commitment to educational excellence and innovation around the northwest, with a 52 per cent increase in entrants from Manchester and Lancashire.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to E-ACT The Oldham Academy North for making this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.

“We are continually amazed by the inspiring work that takes in the region’s schools and colleges, and this year’s shortlist is a testament to the passion and hard work of senior leadership teams, teachers and support staff around the region.

“The quality of the entries we received in 2024 has been exceptional, and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet and celebrating these achievements at the awards ceremony in November."

The Educate Awards is a spectacular evening that includes live performances from the region’s schools, a three-course gala dinner and, of course, the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

Kim added: “A huge thank you to partner, ASL Group, and our esteemed associate sponsors for supporting this year’s event.

"Without their support, this event really would not be possible.”

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