Oldham school Path 4 needs improvement in first Ofsted report

Path 4, an independent school in Waddington Street that supports disengaged teenagers, has received its first Ofsted inspection report and been told it needs to improve in six key areas. The school, which opened recently to help 11-16 year olds at risk of leaving education, was judged 'needs attention' for achievement, attendance, curriculum, inclusion, leadership and personal development.

Inspectors found many pupils arrive with low confidence and gaps in basic skills, particularly in reading, writing and numeracy. While some students gained confidence and were successfully prepared to return to mainstream education or move on to further learning, the school's work to improve attendance 'is not working as effectively as it should'.

The report highlighted that some staff lack the expertise to identify and address gaps in pupils' fundamental knowledge, meaning some students 'do not learn successfully'. However, safeguarding standards were met, with pupils described as 'made safer and feel safe', and relationships between staff and pupils were warm and respectful.

The school has welcomed the findings, saying it's proud of the many strengths recognised, particularly safeguarding. Leaders say they've already begun addressing the areas identified as needing improvement and are confident these are 'straightforward and achievable improvements'. The inspection represents an important milestone for this new school that's building foundations for vulnerable young people in Oldham.