Three Salford schools awarded ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings this year

A councillor has praised three Salford high schools for “all the hard work they undertake” following their ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings this year.

Councillor Jim Cammell praised St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton, The Lowry Academy in Worsley and Irlam and Cadishead Academy, which all received a ‘Good’ rating in recent inspections.

Councillor Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said: “We are very proud of what these schools have achieved.

“We know the teachers, the support staff and governors are all committed to providing the best education and support to the students they look after. These Ofsted ratings are a reflection of all the work they undertake to help children and young people flourish and have the best life opportunities.”

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School received an outstanding grade for personal development after their inspection February 28.

The report stated that pupils spoke warmly of their positive relationships with staff at the Roman Catholic school and feel that they matter to their teachers.

Ben Davis, Headteacher at St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School said: “We’re very pleased to receive this good Ofsted rating. Our teachers work hard to build good relationships with pupils and support them to have a high quality education.”

The Lowry Academy

The Mayor Paul Dennett and MP Barbara Keeley congratulated The Lowry Academy for their ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in March this year.

Through the inspection completed on February 7/8, Ofsted concluded that the secondary school in Little Hulton had gone through a “positive transformation”.

Claire Coy, Principal of The Lowry Academy, which is part of United Learning, said: “This ‘Good’ Ofsted rating is a highly encouraging signal for our school and is testament to our wonderful students and staff who make it such a warm and nurturing place to learn.”

Irlam and Cadishead Academy

Through the inspection completed on February 28 and 29, Ofsted concluded that the “pupils’ behaviour is much improved and that learning is rarely disturbed.”

The new report states pupils are happy in the “tight-knit school community” where they benefit from “strong pastoral support”.

This is a turnaround since its last Ofsted rating in 2021, which said the quality of teaching ‘requires improvement’.

Chris Leader, Principal of Irlam and Cadishead Academy, which is also part of United Learning, said: “Our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating is a welcome confirmation of how far our school has come in recent years and the rich and high-quality education we offer our students.”