Oldham academy determined to improve

Oasis Academy Oldham

Leaders at Oasis Academy Oldham have been telling the Oldham Chronicle that they will be leaving no stone unturned to continue the academy’s progress and address “inconsistencies” following their latest Ofsted Inspection.

The inspection, which was conducted over two days in November, found that effectiveness of leadership, quality of teaching and learning, and personal development, behaviour and welfare all requires improvement, and that outcomes for pupils was inadequate.  As one of the criteria was Inadequate, this dictates the academy’s overall grade.

Miss Dominique Gobbi, Principal of Oasis Academy Oldham, said: “While we are of course disappointed by this report from Ofsted, we are grateful to them for their insights and challenges that will support us in our continuing journey of improvement.”

“While attainment at the academy is on an overall upward trajectory, inspectors rightly highlighted that we need to continue to accelerate progress for all students and address inconsistencies to ensure that the academy is providing every young person the opportunities that they deserve to make excellent progress.”

“We have already taken action on the recommendations and placed particular focus on challenging our more able students and supporting those young people who receive Pupil Premium.”

“While there is much for us to address, I am confident that we have the right team and plans in place to rapidly drive up improvements across the academy.” 

The Inspection Team found that leaders have taken effective action and that there are clear signs that teaching and pupils’ achievement, especially in Key Stage 3 are improving convincingly. They also noted that the school's work to promote pupils' personal development and welfare is good and that most pupils are “self-assured learners who want to do well”.

Inspectors also recognised that the principal and senior leaders, in partnership with the trust, share a common determination to improve the school and the life-chances of the pupils in their care. They conclude that: “Plans for improvement are appropriate and focused precisely on the school’s most pressing issues.”

John Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Oasis Community Learning, said: “Oasis accepts and acknowledges the areas for improvement outlined in the report, and Dominique and her team have already begun to implement action plans to address them.  We are working tirelessly to support our students to realise their goals and ambitions.

“Parents, and the community as a whole, can be assured that the outcome of this report have only strengthened our resolve to build on the strong foundations in place at Oasis Academy Oldham to accelerate the improvements we are making.”