The secondary school that's finally ditched its poor Ofsted rating after a decade of hard work

A school that's spent a decade with a 'requires improvement' rating hanging over it, is celebrating after being told it's now 'Good' in all areas.

Previous inspections dated back to when the now Co-op Academy Walkden was still Walkden High, before it joined the Co-op Academies Trust in 2018. Inspectors judged that the school required improvement in all areas, including 'effectiveness of leadership and management', 'quality of teaching, learning and assessment', 'personal development, behaviour and welfare', 'outcomes for pupils' and 'overall effectiveness'.

They found that although leaders and governors had 'a clear and ambitious vision', they had 'not acted swiftly enough to bring about the necessary improvements, particularly in pupils’ achievement'.

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They said that too many pupils, particularly the most able, did 'not make good enough progress throughout their time in school'.

But now, after inspectors visited the Salford school in May, they've rated it as 'Good' in every area.

Inspectors said: “This is an inclusive school where pupils share positive and respectful relationships with their peers and teachers. Staff take the time to get to know pupils and their families well. There is a culture of high aspiration.”

The report states that 'leaders set increasingly high expectations for the learning and behaviour of all pupils', adding: "They have cultivated a kind and considerate school community where pupils feel safe and happy. Lessons are focused, and pupils rarely disrupt them by off-task behaviour.

"Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), engage enthusiastically in their learning and are well motivated to