St Hilda’s CofE Primary School in Oldham has received a positive inspection report, indicating a significant improvement in its overall effectiveness, which is now rated as good. The inspection took place on 16 and 17 April 2024, and it highlighted various strengths of the school, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were also rated as good. This marks a notable improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at St Hilda’s are described as happy and settled, taking pride in being part of the school community. They have developed strong relationships with their peers and staff, contributing to a positive school environment. The school has fostered a culture of high expectations, encouraging pupils to aspire to various careers, including teaching, medicine, and law enforcement. The report notes that pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, typically learn well and demonstrate good behavior during lessons and social times.
The school offers a rich variety of experiences beyond the classroom, including live music concerts, residential trips, and various after-school activities such as sports and arts clubs. These opportunities contribute to a well-rounded education and help to engage pupils in their learning.
The governing body and school leadership have focused on improving the curriculum since the last inspection. While there have been successful changes, published data indicates that some pupils' attainment in certain subjects remains below national averages. The school has a diverse student body, with many pupils speaking English as an additional language and joining at different times throughout the academic year. Despite these challenges, most current pupils are achieving well.
The curriculum is ambitious and logically structured in most subjects, although there are areas where the specific knowledge that pupils should acquire is not clearly defined. This lack of clarity can limit the depth of knowledge that some pupils develop. Most staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, particularly in subjects where the curriculum is well-defined. However, there are instances where learning activities do not effectively support pupils in mastering the intended curriculum.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, ensuring they can access the full curriculum. The emphasis on high-quality texts encourages a love of reading, and pupils are engaged in various reading initiatives that promote fluency and confidence.
Attendance is well-managed, with the school working closely with parents to ensure regular attendance. Pupils understand the importance of being present and exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning. The school has implemented a well-designed program to support personal development, teaching pupils about safety and mental health.
Staff at St Hilda’s are committed to the school’s improvement journey and feel supported in their roles. They appreciate the training and coaching opportunities available to them. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to clarify the essential knowledge that pupils should learn in certain subjects and ensure that teachers select appropriate activities that facilitate effective learning. Overall, St Hilda’s CofE Primary School is making commendable progress and is well-positioned for continued success.
