An Oldham primary school has converted to become an academy – with the school’s headteacher saying he is ‘delighted’.

St Edward’s R.C. School, located on Rowland Way, Lees, converted to become an academy earlier this month.

The school’s previous legal entity closed on November 30, officially becoming an academy the next day.

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The school was previously rated ‘good’ in its last Ofsted inspection.

Headteacher Paddy McMahon said: “We are delighted to be joining Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust as a voluntary academy.

“We have already benefitted from the support and expertise of their central team, and I am hopeful that being part of the Trust will safeguard a high-quality Catholic education for many years to come for the children and families in our parish community.”

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As well as St Edward’s, the Emmaus trust, based in Sale, also manages another Oldham school: Holy Family RC Primary School, located on Lime Green Road.

Outside the borough, it manages six other schools in Greater Manchester, including St Matthew’s RC High School in Moston.

Under the Academies Act 2010, publicly funded schools in England can choose to convert to academies.

These schools receive funding directly from the government and are run by an academy trust.

Unlike local authority schools, they do not have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times.

In September, residents of a road near St Edward’s and Hey with Zion called for action over parking.

The area had been listed for a ‘school street’ back in February, but this was delayed.

The scheme would close the road to cars, except for residents with permits, blue badge holders, and some other exemptions, during school pick-up and drop-off times.  

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.