EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale has received high praise from Ofsted in its first inspection, just a year after opening its doors. The alternative provision school, which supports pupils who have struggled in mainstream education, was commended for improvements in attendance, pupil engagement, and progression into further education, employment or training.

Inspectors found safeguarding arrangements to be effective and described the school as a place where pupils feel safe and supported. The report stated: "The school is a safe haven for pupils. Taking their cue from staff, pupils learn the importance of being respectful towards others. Pupils do not worry about bullying or discrimination because they rightly trust that leaders will swiftly resolve any issues that might arise."

One of the key areas highlighted was the work to improve attendance among pupils who often joined the school with a history of low attendance. Inspectors noted: "The effectiveness of leaders' actions to reduce these barriers is particularly evident in pupils' increased willingness to attend school. Usually from very low starting points, most pupils' rates of attendance increase considerably over time." This progress is significant for Oldham, where supporting vulnerable young people to re-engage with education is a priority.

Preparation for life after school was identified as a real strength. The report praised leaders for ensuring pupils successfully move into further education, employment or training, calling it a "real strength" of the school's approach. This focus on future pathways is crucial for helping young people in Oldham and the wider region build stable and positive futures.

The inspection also recognised the school's commitment to helping pupils reconnect with education through strong relationships and a curriculum adapted to individual needs. The report said: "School leaders are determined that the school will provide a lifeline to pupils who have struggled to access education elsewhere. As such, pupils' best interests are at the heart of everything that leaders do… pupils receive the support that they need to successfully re-engage with their education and with all that the school offers."

Headteacher Kevin Buchanan expressed pride in the outcome, emphasising the school's impact in its short time open. He said: "This report recognises what makes our school so special - the relationships, the care and the belief that every young person can succeed. We work with pupils who have often had a very difficult experience of education, and our priority is to help them feel safe, valued and ready to learn again."

He added: "Whilst we may have only had a year to make a difference in these young people’s lives, the impact the team is having is outstanding and it’s fantastic to see that recognised externally at this early stage. I am incredibly proud of the way our staff support pupils to rebuild confidence, improve attendance and begin to see a positive future for themselves."

Ofsted found the school to be working at the expected standard across all assessed areas. Under the current inspection framework, the inspectorate no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade but instead assesses schools against a five-point scale across separate categories. For a school in its first year of operation, this result underscores the effectiveness of its approach in supporting pupils who have had difficult experiences in education.

For Oldham, this positive report highlights the value of alternative provision in turning around the prospects of young people who might otherwise be left behind. EdStart's success in improving attendance and outcomes offers a model for how tailored support can help pupils rediscover their potential and move towards fulfilling futures.