Richmond Academy, located in Oldham, Greater Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and valued, quickly integrating into the school community. Students describe Richmond Academy as a friendly place where they receive care and support. The leadership team maintains high expectations for both learning and behavior, resulting in positive relationships between pupils and teachers. Classrooms are calm and conducive to learning, allowing students to achieve well. Respect and kindness are prevalent among pupils, contributing to a low incidence of bullying and disruptive behavior. When issues arise, school leaders respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Richmond Academy offers a variety of creative and sporting activities, encouraging pupils to engage in clubs such as bakery, art, and dance. The school also promotes active citizenship through community projects, such as clean-up initiatives. The curriculum is designed thoughtfully, focusing on the knowledge and skills necessary for pupils' development. There is a strong emphasis on creating a language-rich environment from early years, with leaders identifying high-quality vocabulary for pupils to use in their learning. Teachers are well-supported in developing their subject knowledge, which enables them to plan effective lessons that reinforce prior learning.
In core subjects like English and mathematics, leaders have established clear and ambitious goals for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Assessment strategies in these subjects are effectively utilized to identify and address gaps in learning. However, in some foundation subjects, assessment practices are not as robust, leading to potential gaps in pupils' knowledge. This inconsistency means that some pupils may miss important learning opportunities without teachers being aware.
Reading is a priority at Richmond Academy, with a culture that places it at the heart of the curriculum. The school promotes a love for reading through various initiatives, and staff are dedicated to ensuring that pupils develop strong reading skills from an early age. Phonics instruction begins in preschool and continues through key stage one, with staff trained to deliver effective phonics programs. Pupils receive reading materials that align with their phonics knowledge, allowing them to practice and reinforce their skills.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure their inclusion in all school activities. From the outset, children learn routines that help them settle into school life, and they demonstrate maturity and good manners in their interactions. While most pupils attend regularly, a small number do not, and leaders are working with families to improve attendance rates.
Richmond Academy emphasizes personal development, teaching pupils about British values, discrimination, and tolerance. Opportunities for leadership roles are provided, fostering a sense of responsibility among students. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with staff trained to recognize and address potential risks to pupils. Overall, Richmond Academy continues to be a good school, with strong leadership, a supportive environment, and a commitment to the personal and academic development of its pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent assessment practices across all subjects and addressing attendance issues for a small number of pupils.
