A secondary school that changed into an academy following an 'inadequate' rating from the education watchdog is celebrating hitting an improved milestone.
E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy on Blackshaw Lane was visited four times for its first graded inspection by Ofsted since turning into an academy in 2018.
The report reveals the academy has changed dramatically from its previous 'inadequate' rating that was given to its predecessor, Royton and Crompton School, as it has been given a 'good' rating in three out of four categories.
However, its overall rating still shows the school 'requires improvement' following a poor grading in one major area - the quality of education.
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Still, Ofsted inspectors found pupils feel happy, safe and like coming to the school with any instances of bullying being resolved quickly.
Pupils were praised for behaving well, staying focused in lessons, taking on leadership roles and for their punctuality.
"They concentrate well and try their best in class" while most pupils attend school regularly, the report added, and their development is "catered for well" as they engage in a wide range of extra-curricular experiences that suit their needs and interests.
Examples of this include the school's eco-club, rainbow group and sports clubs.
In turn, this makes the pupils well-prepared to participate in modern Britain as they learn about respect and tolerance for one another.
The team of inspectors found the students further benefit from high-quality independent careers advice as well as healthy relationships, sexual consent and the harmful impact of sexual harassment and hurtful name calling.
Meanwhile, leaders were celebrated for having high ambitions for the students and for being determined to help them overcome any barriers to their learning.
"Leaders have brought about much positive change at the school" with a particular passion for challenging any social disadvantages that could hold pupils back, the report continued.
"There is a secure momentum of improvement", it added.
Staff further manage pupils' behaviour "with care and kindness".
However, the quality of education is where the school has missed out on grabbing the 'good' grade.
When it came to the curriculum, Ofsted found while it was "suitably ambitious" and almost half of its Year 10 pupils have taken on the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, in some subjects, the curriculum "is not making enough of a difference to pupils' achievement".
"This is because some teachers do not deliver the subject curriculums consistently well" and some teaching is "uneven" across subjects, it added.
The education watchdog said teachers "do not choose the most appropriate activities to enable pupils to learn what they need to know" which hinders the progress of some pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The pupils' learning isn't always effectively checked before moving on to new ideas and concepts which results in some "developing misconceptions or gaps in their learning".
In addition, while SEND students are adequately supported by staff to join in lessons, Ofsted found some teachers use the information better than others which means some pupils with SEND do not progress through curriculums "as well as they should".
Reading was also found to be "less advanced" at the school, despite staff knowing how to develop pupils' reading knowledge and vocabulary in their lessons.
To improve, Ofsted said leaders should ensure that teachers are trained to deliver curriculums consistently well and that they follow assessment strategies so pupils' learning is hindered.
Reading must also be improved at the school by ensuring pupils have the opportunity to read regularly.
In their verdict, inspectors rated the school as 'good' in behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management but was marked down to 'requires improvement' overall following its assessment of the quality of education.
But leaders at the high school are happy with the report and have found it a "significant leap forward" compared to when it was rated 'inadequate' in every category.
Andrea Atkinson, principal of E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy said: “This is such an encouraging report and represents a major step forward for the academy.
"People will remember that at the last inspection, the school was graded as inadequate across the board – today’s report shows just what a sharp trajectory of improvement we are on.
“I’m very proud of what the team has achieved to date and feel confident that with momentum on our side, we will go from strength to strength."
The principal also said the school is clear on the areas it needs to focus on.
"I’m confident that when they visit us again, the Ofsted inspection team will see that overall, we are a 'good' school, and one which is fast becoming the school of choice locally", she added.
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