Northmoor Academy described as “an oasis for pupils” in latest OFSTED report

Date published: 14 November 2024


Northmoor Academy families and staff are celebrating their recent OFSTED success with the academy being graded ‘Good’ in all areas.

This was Northmoor’s second full inspection since opening in 2016, and its second successive ‘Good’ gradings.

The academy was described as “a friendly and happy place to learn” with children’s behaviour noted as “exemplary” and children seen to treat “everyone around them with the utmost respect.”

The report was full of praise for the school’s commitment to reading, its “exciting curriculum” and the “highly inclusive…culture that celebrates the diverse community that the school serves.”

Sarah Taylor, Executive Principal at Northmoor Academy, said: “We were delighted to share this report with our community; Northmoor is a very special place to so many people and the partnership between staff and families to create a culture of aspiration and care for children in Oldham is at the heart of the academy’s ethos.”

The report noted the effective provision for children with SEND and how children are well-supported to achieve well across a range of subjects.

It also highlighted the strengths of the school in meeting the needs of children who join part way through their primary education, ensuring they “settle quickly” and receive “the support that they need.”

Rachel Beesley, Head of Academy, added: “The team at Northmoor have worked hard to design an exciting and progressive curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of our pupils.

"We were pleased to see this highlighted in the inspection report alongside the complementary activities that so many of our children enjoy, such as playing alongside the Halle at the Bridgewater Hall.”

The report was one of the first reports to be issued following the removal of single word inspection judgements in July.

Schools are judged on five areas of school life: The quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management and Early years provision, with Northmoor gaining a ‘Good’ rating in all areas.


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