North Chadderton school congratulated for raising its Ofsted rating as it 'feels like home' to pupils
North Chadderton School has improved its Ofsted rating to 'good' in all areas, praised for fostering positive relationships, offering extensive extra-curricular activities, and preparing students for life beyond school.
North Chadderton School has achieved top marks across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection, earning ‘good’ ratings in all five assessment areas after previously being told it required improvement.
Inspectors praised the school’s inclusive community where staff maintain positive relationships with pupils and maintain high ambitions for student success. The transformation comes after the December 2022 inspection found the school needing improvement, though Ofsted no longer provides overall effectiveness ratings under new guidelines introduced in September.
The school now operates 34 extra-curricular clubs ranging from dissection and debate to Pokemon, Sudoku, dance, drama and choir. An extended lunch period has enabled more pupils to participate in sports, musical and cultural activities. “The aim is to develop students beyond the classroom,” said co-headteacher Nick Angus. “We embrace different cultures and we have so many activities here to showcase our inclusivity, including Culture Day, LGBT+ group, anti-bullying initiatives and more.”
The sixth form, with 220 students, achieved record-breaking results in 2024, placing in the top 25 percent nationally for A-Level progress and earning the Alps Gold Award. The school runs an extensive careers programme including work placements with the NHS, engineering firms, law practices, Salford Royal and Oldham Hospital. Year 12 students complete placements in January, with Year 10 following in June.
Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, visited to congratulate the school. “You have a very broad range of subjects and it reflects the Ofsted report that you received,” he told staff. “Congratulations. This is a credit to your students who work hard.”
The school community extends beyond academics, with sixth formers hosting Christmas markets and Macmillan Coffee Mornings that welcome local residents. Alumni return to inspire current students, including midwives and paramedics who share their career experiences. A new aviary housing 30 birds provides a calming influence for pupils.
“It has taken a lot of hard work and careful attention to the voices of our students,” Mr Angus said of the transformation. “By fostering positive relationships with them, we have significantly improved outcomes. Students feel well-supported to become the best versions of themselves.”
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