Teachers at St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School in Rochdale, attended by Oldham students, will strike for nine days over workload, pupil behaviour, and alleged unsafe working conditions. NASUWT members began industrial action on February 24, with the school closing to Years 7-10 pupils while Year 11 students attend for mock exams. The trust running the school claims it has addressed concerns and will continue dialogue, while the union says staff feel unsafe and pupils are being failed. Strikes are scheduled in three rounds through March 12.
Mike Anderson, headteacher of Saddleworth School, has departed after 5.5 years of service. Parents were notified on February 23 that Anderson would no longer lead the school from February 24. The Cranmer Education Trust praised his leadership during the school's move to a new site, growth period, and COVID-19 lockdowns. Until a new headteacher is appointed, the school will be led by Rob Higgins from Blue Coat and Chris Heyes from St Anne's, along with an interim headteacher. Parents are advised to contact heads of year for pastoral matters or heads of department for learning queries.
Oldham schools across Royton have come together to celebrate the festive season by boosting children's literacy skills through the Making It REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) programme. The Christmas literacy event forms part of Oldham Council's ongoing efforts to support early childhood development. Families have been actively participating in various literacy-focused activities designed to enhance children's reading and communication abilities. The programme aims to give young children in Oldham the best possible start in life through improved literacy skills. Parents have reported positive outcomes, with one noting how the initiative has significantly boosted their child's confidence in conversations.
Forty families from Heyside Pre-School and Blackshaw Lane Primary School participated in a Christmas literacy event as part of Oldham Council's 'Making It REAL' programme. The event featured festive activities including reading Christmas books, making cards and decorations, and drawing festive images. The programme, based on research from the University of Sheffield, aims to create positive home learning environments and has engaged 130 children across 17 schools in Oldham. Parents reported improved engagement and literacy development in their children, while staff highlighted strengthened community links between schools.
Oldham Council has welcomed confirmation that the Eton Star Oldham will proceed following a government review of the proposals. The new college, a partnership between Eton College and Star Academies, will be built on the Tommyfield Market car park site in Oldham town centre. It will offer a new education model combining high standards with expanded opportunities for local young people. Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah said the college will give Oldham's young people access to life-changing opportunities regardless of background. Work will now begin on detailed design, delivery and community engagement. The college aims to remove barriers, raise aspirations and give pupils from every background access to the best opportunities.