A secondary school which has been deemed to be in needed of improvement for nearly a decade has turned around its fortunes to be given an Ofsted good rating.
Harper Green School was graded good in all areas, with Ofsted inspectors commenting that 'pupils are proud to attend this school'.
The report marks a huge turnaround for the school, which was placed in the 'requires improvement' category in 2013.
The findings come as a huge investment has been made in the school to improve teaching and learning at the Farnworth school.
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The school has opened a new arts and humanities block, which includes a drama and a dance studio on the ground floor as well as three classrooms upstairs.
Harper Green was one of 16 schools in the borough to receive a share of £483m to invest and upgrade their buildings and classrooms in 2021.
Headteacher Sally Heppinstall came to the school in as deputy head 2015 and was appointed as headteacher in 2021.
She spoke of her delight at having achieved the improvements.
She said: “I am exceptionally proud. It is well deserved for our students and our staff.
“I am pleased Ofsted has recognised the hard work and dedication of our staff.
“The main point has been the curriculum.
“We have an academic and a social and emotional curriculum which will allow the young people to thrive when they leave us.
She said going forward she would work to reduce “barriers to attendance” and added: “We are not resting on our laurels, we will continue to strive to provide the best possible education for young people in an ever changing climate."
The school values are highlighted throughout the campus - with the word Harper written out representing the words honest, accepting, respectful, proud, engaged and resilient.
Ofsted inspectors reported: "Leaders have set out high expectations for both behaviour and learning. Pupils understand what is required from them. Pupils focus well on their work in lessons.
"They engage with their activities in lessons. Incidents of bullying or discrimination are taken seriously by leaders and sanctioned appropriately."
Pupils were described as well mannered and that 'they look our for each other'
"Pupils told inspector that they enjoy a range of opportunities to contribute to their community. They take up chances to widen their skills through new activities that are available to them during and after school," stated the report.
The young people were found to achieve well in most subjects.
The Ofsted report stated: "There is a positive and welcoming atmosphere around the school. Pupils behave well in both lessons and around the site. They treat each other and adults with respect.
"The small minority of pupils who do not make the right choices are supported by staff to improve their decisions and behaviour for the future."
Pupils are provided with a wide range of information about their options post-16 and post-18.
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