Ofsted praises college teachers

NEWMAN College head teacher Mike McGhee

THE borough's Roman Catholic secondary school is celebrating after being rated as good across the board by education inspectors.

Newman College, Chadderton, was classed as requires improvement (grade three) by Ofsted at its previous inspection in May 2014.

But the education watchdog has now judged it to be good (grade two) in all areas after returning last month.

Ofsted says that the curriculum has been overhauled and that teaching "has not just changed; it has been transformed".

As a result of high-quality teaching, pupils make good progress across a range of subjects, including English and humanities.

"Very well-focussed staff development has brought about rapid improvements in teaching. These improvements are driving up standards and have significantly lowered the proportion of pupils who are temporarily excluded from lessons or from school," states the inspectors' report.

"There is a buzz around teaching... Many teachers ooze subject knowledge and pupils absorb and retain what they have learnt."

Newman College was created when two schools merged in September 2011. Ofsted acknowledges that its first pupils - the current year 11s - suffered "serious disruption" because they were taught at the original sites for a year before moving into a new £33.8 million building in Broadway.

But despite this, they started with attainment slightly below the national average and are set to leave this year with results in line with those expected nationally.

Ofsted also praises the school's work with pupils who have disabilities or special educational needs, have been permanently excluded from other schools or arrive from oversees with little or no grasp of English.

Pupils feel safe and at the "close-knit" school, are well looked after and have high aspirations, with Ofsted adding: "Behaviour is good and very well managed.

"A number of pupils come to the school having failed to succeed elsewhere and are now rightly proud of their improved behaviour and academic successes.

Attendance is above average and improving for all groups as a result of forensic monitoring."

Other areas highlighted for praise include the the governing body and the school's leadership, and Ofsted says: "The head teacher and his team have created a very positive 'can do' climate for learning. There are no excuses."

Delighted head teacher Mike McGhee said: "The amalgamation was never going to be easy and we are really pleased at where we are now.

"The most pleasing thing for me is some of the things the inspectors say about the quality of teaching - it is wonderful to see the teachers gaining the recognition they deserve.

"I have the privilege of leading the most committed, professional and hard-working group of staff any head teacher could wish for. The report fully reflects our vision for teaching - joyful lessons where children learn because they want to rather than because they have to.

"Parents and pupils appreciate this and, as the report states, they are full of praise for the lengths staff and teachers go to."