We take a look at Oldham’s ‘outstanding’ schools – from one called a 'wonderland for children', to another with a vision for pupils to ‘be the best you can be’.

Blue Coat CofE School

This Egerton Street school in Oldham was rated Outstanding by Ofsted inspectors in 2011. Inspectors noted that students were good listeners, spoke confidently, and were good at collaborating.

Westwood High

Rated in 2019, this school on Kelsall Street was noted for its ambitious culture, confident pupils, and a strong culture of safety, with pupils who enjoy going to school.

Glodwick Infant and Nursery School

This Glodwick school was inspected in 2019. Inspectors praised the headteacher for the school’s vision for pupils to ‘be the best you can be’, and noted that highly skilled staff provided pupils with a warm and caring environment.

Bare Trees Primary School

This Chadderton school on Holly Grove was last inspected in 2012. Teachers were praised for being “exceptionally knowledgeable”, while students were noted for their “exemplary” attitudes to learning.

Corpus Christi RC Primary School

Inspected in 2015, this Chadderton school was noted for teachers who are “relentless in their pursuit of ensuring that every pupil reaches their full potential.”

St Martin’s CofE Junior Infant and Nursery

This Fitton Hill school was inspected in 2013; inspectors noted pupils for their “rapid and sustained progress throughout the school, leaving Year 6 with attainment well above the national average.”

Oasis Academy Limeside

This Limeside school was noted for its “exceptional leadership,” with a curriculum that “promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in an exceptional way.”

Hollinwood Academy

This special school on Roman Road for young people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition and speech, language and communication difficulties was rated in 2018.

Inspectors noted leaders, governors, and staff for their high commitment to “improving the life chances of pupils,” as well as a noting “excellent additional activities, including summer schools, holiday and after-school clubs.”

New Bridge School

This special school for pupils with special educational needs was commended for its leaders’ ‘can do’ attitude in pupils and staff, with ambitious teachers and students who felt respected and safe.

St Thomas Moorside CofE (VA) Primary School

This Coleridge Road school was called “an exceptionally happy and caring school”, with one parent commenting “They always go the extra mile to help.”

Buckstones Primary School

This Shaw school was rated outstanding in 2014. Inspectors called it a “happy school” where students have a “love of learning and eagerness to succeed.”

Propps Hall Junior Infant and Nursery school

This Failsworth school was rated outstanding in 2017. Inspectors called the headteacher “inspirational”, noting that she was supported by highly skilled staff. Inspectors went on to call the school “a wonderland for children” with “enchanting” classrooms.

South Failsworth Community Primary School

Rated outstanding in 2011, inspectors noted that pupils “take pleasure in their activities and tackle them with enthusiasm.”

Greenfield Primary School

This Shaw Street school was inspected in 2014. Inspectors noted a ‘rich’ curriculum that “fosters a love of learning in the pupils.”

Full reports for each of these schools and more can be read on Ofsted’s website.