A school which changed hands a few years ago has finally been lifted out of the requires improvement category to be graded good.

Ofsted graded Co-Op Academy Walkden good in all areas after a recent inspection, marking a huge turnaround for the school which was previously Walkden High School.

Walkden High School had been in need of improvement since 2013.

Principal, Matt Hacker, said: “We’re thrilled that inspectors recognised the progress of the academy over the past few years.

"I am incredibly proud of everything our fantastic students and staff have achieved so far and I am forever grateful for all the support from our parents, the community and the Trust.

"Working together to support the generations of young people who walk through our doors every day, is what matters most and we know that when we do, we set our children up for great success in the future.”

Co-op Academy Walkden has been part of Co-op Academies Trust since 2019.

Ofsted inspectors reported: "This is an inclusive school where pupils share positive and respectful relationships with their peers and teachers. Staff take the time to get to know pupils and their families well. There is a culture of high

aspiration.

"Leaders set increasingly high expectations for the learning and behaviour of all pupils. They have cultivated a kind and considerate school community where pupils feel safe and happy. Lessons are focused, and pupils rarely disrupt them by off-task

behaviour."

Inspectors found that the school was creative in ensuring every child could access "all that school life has to offer" including providing bikes to those children who struggle to get to school.

Ofsted inspectors stated: "Leaders have ensured that all pupils benefit from a suitably ambitious curriculum.

"Their changes to the curriculum mean that pupils at the end of Year 9 can now choose to study a wide and varied choice of academic and vocational subjects."

And an increasing proportion of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, study the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects in key stage 4.

Inspectors found that leaders have recently introduced a new behaviour system.

Ofsted said: "As a result, the number of incidents of poor behaviour has decreased. Leaders ensure that a high number of staff, including support staff, are present on the school site to supervise and engage with pupils. Consequently, behaviour around the school, including between lessons,

is calm and orderly. Leaders have made efforts to improve the rate of pupils’ attendance, with some success."

Inspectors said that pupils are well prepared for their "ext steps in education, employment or training".

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