HOLLINWOOD Academy is celebrating an “outstanding” Ofsted rating following its first inspections since it opened three years ago.

The school, led by acting head Laura Millard, supports young people in the autistic continuum and/or with significant communication difficulties from the age of four to 19 and the first of its kind in Oldham, excelled in all areas.

Ms Millard, standing in for Jaina Walton who is on maternity leave, said: “Starting with just 50 children in September, 2015, the school has developed and grown, providing children with the opportunity to overcome their barriers to learning and make excellent progress, not just academically, but through their personal development.

She went on: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with the support of our families and staff since we opened our doors to the first pupils.

“Our ‘outstanding’ status is a tremendous achievement and one that Hollinwood Academy truly deserves.

“I have always known that our school has outstanding pupils, outstanding families and outstanding staff and I am thrilled that the inspectors have recognised the hard work, commitment and dedication that is shown here daily. I can't wait to see what our amazing young people will achieve next.”

Hollinwood Academy is part of the New Bridge Group, which also includes New Bridge School, Spring Brook Academy and Hawthorns School.