AN Oldham secondary school has been ordered to improve by Ofsted inspectors who found “weaknesses” in the curriculum and some lessons disrupted by “poor behaviour”.

Oasis Academy Oldham was rated as "requires improvement" overall after its latest inspection in March - even though it was an upgrade from the school’s previous rating of “inadequate” given in 2018.

In a report following this year’s inspection the school was rated as "requires improvement" in all categories aside from personal development where the school was given a rating of “good”.

The report mentions that there has been “some turbulence” in the leadership of the school and staffing arrangements which has “slowed down the pace of improvement”.

Since 2018, school leaders have “raised their expectations of pupils’ behaviour” with “most pupils responding positively to teachers’ instructions in lessons”.

Inspectors have however urged staff to “implement the school’s behaviour policy more consistently”, noting there are still times when lessons are disrupted by “poor behaviour”, making it difficult for pupils to learn.

The report adds that some pupils “do not achieve as well as they should” with “some weaknesses” remaining in how well the curriculum is designed and delivered with a “lack of clarity about what pupils should learn” in some subjects apparent.

Leaders have however “overhauled the curriculum” to ensure that it is “suitably ambitious” for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

SEND students now study a “broader range of subjects” than they did in the past, but some still do not achieve as well as they should and are not supported well enough by staff, according to the report.

Inspectors also outlined where the school does well within the report.

Students told inspectors that although bullying still happens occasionally most are confident that staff deal with incidents “quickly and effectively”.

Pupils said they “enjoy coming to school”, “feel safe” and that “there is always someone to talk to if they need help”.

Most students get along well with each other, show respect for staff, take part in a wide range of clubs at the school, including table tennis and cookery, and enjoy representing the school in sports competitions.

Pupils are also keen to take on positions of responsibility, such as school prefects and equality and diversity ambassadors.

Inspectors also found that reading is promoted well by school leaders, who have also introduced a range of strategies to improve pupils’ attendance.

Students are also learning to “celebrate diversity” through initiatives, such as the LGBTQ club.

The arrangements for safeguarding at the school are considered effective and staff ensure pupils learn about risks to their safety, such as peer-on-peer abuse and the dangers of drug and knife crime.

Pupils also receive impartial careers advice at the school and undertake relevant work experience, with almost all pupils move on to further education, employment, or training.

Commenting on the report, Marie Dillon, principal at Oasis Academy Oldham said: “We are grateful to Ofsted for their report and feedback on the changes we are implementing at the academy.

"We are of course pleased that they have recognised what our school community knows – that Oasis Academy Oldham is a school that is improving and has the plans in place to continue an upward trajectory.

“The changes are thanks to our united staff team – we are all dedicated to making the academy the exceptional school that our students deserve.

"Our students receive care and support, and they are continually growing in confidence that fuels their development and achievements. Students are proud of their school, and we are proud of them.”