A recent inspection of Outwood Academy in Haydock found the school to be Good in all areas.
It is the first time the school, on Clipsley Lane, has been inspected since converting into an Academy (previously it was known as Haydock High).
Inspectors found that under the leadership of Principal Phil Abram the school has a strong foundation of mutual respect. It said pupils benefit from high-quality pastoral support, with strong relationships between staff and pupils. Inspectors noted that around the school, staff greet pupils warmly and offer words of encouragement.
The report also notes that the school has high expectations for all pupils and that those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are learning more successfully than they used to in most subjects. There is a “consistent” approach to behaviour and there is a culture of praise.
Inspectors said that the school, Trust and Governors “share a strong moral purpose which guides them to make decisions in the best interests of pupils”. There was praise for the “ambitious and logically ordered” curriculum, and that teachers are experts in their subjects.
Looking forward, Ofsted said that the school needs to continue its work to improve pupil attendance – something inspectors said Outwood Academy was doing “with vigour”, having increased capacity in their attendance team. The school were also challenged to help pupils develop deeper thinking about what they have learnt and to ensure that all pupils have fully understood a topic before moving on.
And it said that staff at Outwood Academy “flourish”, benefitting from changes to the marking policy which has resulted in reduced workloads.
Outwood Academy Principal, Mr Phil Abram, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us. It is an absolute pleasure for us to work in this community. Haydock is a special place and deserves to have a good secondary school.
Whilst it is pleasing to read that the inspectors enjoyed visiting our school, we will continue to work extremely hard to support our students to improve their attendance and in every aspect of their learning and experiences at school, so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes and to develop as both learners and people. To further support this we are working closely with all of the St. Helens’ secondary schools to collectively ensure that all of our young people in St Helens can develop as good citizens and are able to pursue their chosen career upon leaving school.’
You can read the report in full on Ofsted’s website.
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