The Oldham-based school has been on a journey of significant growth and improvement, having gone from Special Measures in 2014 to 2016 to now being recognised as a 'Good' school in all areas.

In recent years, Co-op Academy Failsworth has undergone a remarkable transformation, significantly altering its approach to curriculum delivery, restructuring its leadership, and enhancing support for its pupils. The transition from Special Measures to Good reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire school community. 

The Ofsted report praises the school for creating an environment where students feel happy, safe, and eager to learn, highlighting the well-thought-out curriculum which has been designed to meet the diverse needs of all students.

This tailored approach has led to year-on-year improvements throughout the school and also in student performance, with many achieving highly commendable results.

Ofsted reported:

"The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, including those with SEND. Subject curriculums are well designed. The ‘powerful knowledge’ that the school wants pupils to learn is clearly identified. Subject content is introduced in a logical order so that pupils build their knowledge over time."

Teachers were also praised for their subject knowledge and effective teaching strategies that support students' learning.

"Teachers have good subject knowledge. They select appropriate activities to support pupils to learn the intended curriculum. The school has introduced a rigorous and well-structured approach to assessment. This supports staff to deliver the curriculum effectively, by pre-empting pupils’ difficulties, identifying misconceptions and the gaps in pupils’ knowledge and then using this information to plan for future learning.

"The school has effective systems to identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND. Pupils with SEND are supported to access the same curriculum as their peers."

The report went on to acknowledge the school’s behaviour management system which is grounded in the Trust’s values and also highlighted the school’s successful careers programme.

Headteacher of Co-op Academy Failsworth, Phill Quirk, said: 

"We are incredibly proud of our recent Ofsted inspection outcome and particularly what our academy staff and students achieve on a daily basis. We are very grateful for the support we receive from students, parents, the wider community and the Co-op Academies Trust. 

"This strong partnership is positively aiding us in bringing to life both our mission statement ‘Achieving Excellence Together’ and our vision of becoming ‘a centre of excellence where the day-in-day-out experience is outstanding for all’."

CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, Dr Chris Tomlinson, said:

"We are incredibly proud of Co-op Academy Failsworth's achievements. The school has been on a journey of improvement in recent years and to have gone from Special Measures to Good is a fantastic accomplishment.  This report is testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and leadership team for fostering a safe, supportive, and motivating environment.

"A huge congratulations to Phill and his staff team who thoroughly deserve this recognition. We look forward to building on this success and achieving even greater milestones."

Read the full report here.