School fails to make grade in inspection

New principal at Oasis Academy, Nigel Whittle..

OASIS Academy Oldham has failed to improve its Ofsted inspection rating in the past two years.

Inspectors who visited the Hollinwood secondary last month classed its overall performance as requires improvement (grade three of four) ­- the same as at its previous inspection in May 2014.

But its leadership and management continues to be the area of its work which is judged to be good (grade two) and principal Nigel Whittle said that staff were committed to making the changes needed at the school.

Improving
Ofsted says that teaching is improving at the academy, but that its quality varies too much.

Pupils start the school with standards which are significantly below average and they do not make enough progress by the time they leave in year 11.

And although pupils' achievement is starting to improve, the inspectors say that the academy still has a "long way to go".

Frequent staff changes in some subjects have had a negative impact on pupil's progress and enthusiasm, said inspectors.

Some teachers also have low expectations of pupils and the brightest children are not set challenging enough work, along with those who are classed as disadvantaged or have a special educational need or a disability.

This results in low-level disruption in lessons and Ofsted adds: "Teachers do not all comply with the school's behaviour policy. Pupils do not know what is expected of their conduct in different lessons."

However, the inspectors say that suspensions and permanent exclusions have risen this year because senior leaders have taken a "firm stance on poor behaviour".

Pupils' attendance is too low, and is not improving quickly enough, but areas praised include changes to the curriculum, careers advice, work to improve the reading skills of pupils who have fallen behind and the behaviour of pupils.

The inspectors praise Mr Whittle, who took up the post in September, for "making necessary changes, not all of them popular with staff or parents".

They add: "Good leadership and management have improved teaching this year. As a result, most current pupils are making better progress.

"Many new systems are now holding staff to account more effectively for pupils' progress."

Oasis Academy Oldham replaced Kaskenmoor and South Chadderton schools in September 2010 and has had four principals since then. Pupils moved into a new £25.5 million building in Hollins Road in 2012.

Dedicated

Principal Nigel Whittle said "We are dedicated to delivering exceptional education for every one of our students, supporting growth and development so that each can flourish.

"The areas for improvement identified by Ofsted are ones we were previously aware of and,, as the report notes, senior leaders and staff are united in implementing changes that are embedding real and lasting improvement.

"I am very grateful to staff for their relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to students.

"Together with the children and with the support of our parents, we are rising to the challenge of making Oasis Academy Oldham the outstanding school that students and this community deserves."