A secondary school in Chadderton which was ordered to improve by the education watchdog is celebrating bouncing back having achieved a 'good' grade.
The Radclyffe School on Hunt Lane teaches youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 and was graded 'outstanding' until Ofsted flagged several concerns in 2021 and said it required improvement.
However, The Radclyffe School is now celebrating after receiving a glowing report following a fresh inspection last month.
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A team of Ofsted inspectors, Timothy Gartside, Craig Yates, Sharon Asquith, Karen Parker, Katy Robinson and Alan Hammersley, revealed the school has made a series of improvements in their joint report, and had plenty of praise for the provision.
The team found pupils "enjoy" coming to school and commended its "ambitious" curriculum and "determined" staff who work hard to help pupils gain the knowledge they need to "thrive in their future lives".
School subjects have clearly been reviewed by the school since the last inspection as the inspectors noted a positive change in pupils' achievements and that many in key stage 4 perform well in their exams.
Reading in particular was highlighted as a major success, with the report revealing The Radclyffe School has stepped up to support pupils with gaps in their reading knowledge and "actively promote" reading for pleasure.
Students were seen reading during form time and making use of the school's "spacious and well-stocked library", meaning many have become confident readers.
Beyond the curriculum, the school offers a range of opportunities to support students' personal development.
Children told inspectors they particularly enjoy the range of sports activities available and they collect achievement awards and wear their badges "with pride".
They also learn about relationships, sex and health matters, equality issues, staying safe online and careers education and guidance.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are also supported well, the report added.
However, the Ofsted team highlighted a few areas that need improvement, such as the children's behaviour and some gaps in teaching methods.
While most students follow the school's ethos of 'five respects' for sensible behaviour, the inspectorate said this is not followed by a "small minority".
The report revealed the "boisterous behaviour" of older pupils can make younger students "feel uncomfortable" at breaktimes and recent attempts by leaders to tackle the problem with new policies "are not applied consistently well".
In addition, while teachers have "secure subject knowledge" and explain topics "clearly", they can sometimes fall short of checking if students have understood the lesson fully before moving on.
This means some pupils "do not know and remember" some subjects.
To hike the grade up from 'good', Ofsted said the school should train teachers on their subject delivery and help staff apply its behaviour policy.
The school said it is "delighted" with the largely positive report and pupils have also spoken out about the reasons they like The Radclyffe.
Kiara in year 9 said: "The Radclyffe School is great because there are lots of things that I can get involved in.
"The clubs and activities are great.”
Another pupil, Amaar in year 10, added: "Everyone feels welcome and has a place in the school.
"The teachers care about your learning and constantly try to make you the best student you can possibly be.”
William, also in Year 10, said he felt "safe" at the school, adding: "Our teachers and staff really care about us and look after us.
"The teachers are really skilled and experienced, making our lessons good."
Meanwhile, headteacher John Cregg said: “We’re delighted by this improved judgement which is a resounding endorsement and validation of the amazing commitment and extensive hard work undertaken by our staff team and our school improvement partners including the Cranmer Education Trust.
"We know that there are some areas for further improvement and we are working hard to make sure these are addressed, as well as finding ways to make our amazing school even better across all areas.”
The Chair of Governors, Sue Webb, added: “As a governing body we are thrilled and delighted with the outcome of the inspection and the ‘Good’ judgements in every single category.
"We know that under Mr. Cregg’s leadership the staff of the school have worked tirelessly to bring about the necessary changes identified in the last report and this report reflects their ongoing efforts and commitment to our students.”
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