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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Emma Gill

High school rated good in first inspection since becoming academy

Pupils and staff are celebrating a good rating from Ofsted after it was inspected for the first time since becoming an academy.

Moorside High School in Swinton, Salford, joined Consilium Academies in 2018 and had previously received a good judgement from Ofsted back in 2014.

The report published in May, celebrates Moorside as a caring community, where leaders have high expectations of students’ behaviour and learning, and where students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.

Impressed by the academic progress being made by students, the inspection team said that leaders have reviewed and refreshed the curriculum, allowing students to study a broad range of subjects, which is setting them up well for the next stage of their learning.

Inspectors praised the leadership team, trustees and local governors who have worked closely 'to improve many aspects of the school'. They remark that staff are 'proud to work at Moorside', and value the efforts made by leaders to support their wellbeing.

The report is also clear that parents and carers' are very positive about leaders and staff' and 'appreciate the support their children receive'.

From left, pupils Katy Flanagan, Amina Byambatseren, Calum Ollerhead, Lucia Neild, Khai Kinsey (Moorside High / Consilium Academies)

In a small number of subjects inspectors found that 'leaders have not ensured that teachers know the key knowledge that pupils should learn' which 'slows pupils’ progress through the curriculum' and gaps in pupils' understanding.

The need for leaders to ensure that 'subject areas are well designed and sequenced' and 'teachers have the necessary skills and expertise to check pupils’ learning accurately' were both highlighted as ways the school can improve.

However, overall it was a largely positive report, which has been welcomed by newly appointed headteacher, Helen Ryles-Dean, who took up her post in April, and says that with the support of Consilium, she will use it as a strong foundation on which to drive forward further improvements at Moorside.

“Moorside has been on an incredible journey over the past few years, and I am so proud to have been part of a new leadership team, working alongside Consilium Academies, to achieve this incredible outcome, while keeping our students at the centre of everything we do," she said.

“We have only been able to achieve this because our leaders, staff and students work consistently together as a team. Our students are some of the warmest I have ever been privileged to work with, and I am delighted that Ofsted has highlighted what we already know well about them.

“Our promise to provide the best educational experience possible remains strong. There are always things we can improve on, and we are really excited about the future of our school. There is nothing we won’t do for our children to ensure that they succeed.”

Inspectors highlighted many impressive areas of school life in the report, stating that students are friendly, welcoming and polite, and respect and celebrate differences between people.

Headteacher Helen Ryles-Dean (Moorside High / Consilium Academies)

Outside the classroom, they were impressed with the wide range of clubs and activities on offer to inspire and interest students, such as drama productions, and lacrosse and mythology clubs. Students also benefit from 'a well-designed careers programme', with most, including those with SEND, continuing into education, employment, or training.

David Clayton, chief executive at Consilium Academies, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Consilium and at Moorside. Everyone has come together to form an excellent team – students, parents, staff, and leaders – making our Moorside community what it is today.

“I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised what a wonderful school Moorside is. A school which places its students at the heart of everything it works towards, and cares about every member of its community.

“This report provides a very strong platform for further improvements under Helen’s leadership, and I am excited to work with her and the team on the next chapter at Moorside.”

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