Irlam and Cadishead Academy, located in Manchester, has undergone a recent inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 28th and 29th of February 2024, marking a significant improvement from its previous rating of requires improvement. The principal, Chris Leader, leads the school, which is part of the United Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Jon Coles and chaired by Richard Greenhalgh.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe, benefiting from strong pastoral support and positive relationships with staff. High expectations for behavior have been established, leading to improved attitudes towards learning. Pupils are now more engaged in lessons, and their behavior is noted to have significantly improved, allowing for a more conducive learning atmosphere.
The curriculum at Irlam and Cadishead Academy is ambitious and effectively delivered, resulting in good achievement across most subjects. The school has made strides in addressing past underachievement, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff development has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, with teachers effectively utilizing their subject expertise to clarify learning objectives.
While many subjects have effective assessment methods in place, there are still areas where teachers do not consistently check for understanding, leading to some gaps in knowledge for a small number of pupils. However, the majority of pupils demonstrate progress in their learning, as evidenced by the quality of their work and their ability to articulate their understanding.
The school has also recognized the need to support pupils struggling with reading, particularly those in key stage four. While some pupils receive effective support, there remains a need for improvement in providing adequate assistance to those at the early stages of reading, ensuring they can access the curriculum successfully.
The atmosphere within the school is calm, with pupils adhering to school rules and exhibiting good behavior. Attendance has improved, thanks in part to the school’s efforts to engage with families. The school prepares pupils well for their future endeavors, with a well-structured careers provision that connects subjects to potential career paths. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, fostering a sense of community and leadership.
The collaboration with the United Learning Trust has been beneficial, providing the school with support and challenge. Staff express high levels of job satisfaction, appreciating the planning days that help manage their workload effectively. The safeguarding arrangements in place are deemed effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
Despite the positive developments, the school is aware of areas needing improvement. Specifically, it aims to enhance the use of assessment strategies to ensure all pupils’ learning gaps are addressed. Additionally, the school is focused on providing high-quality reading support for those who require it, ensuring that all pupils can thrive academically.
Overall, Irlam and Cadishead Academy has made significant progress in its educational provision, creating a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils. The commitment to continuous improvement and the focus on high expectations for both behavior and academic achievement are key factors in the school’s ongoing success.
