Northmoor Academy, located in Oldham, Greater Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection on the 24th and 25th of September 2024. The school has been rated as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The executive principal, Sarah Taylor, leads the school, which is part of The Harmony Trust, overseen by CEO Antony Hughes and a board of trustees chaired by Andrew McCully.
The school embodies a vision of believe, succeed, achieve, which is evident in the positive interactions between staff and pupils. This vision motivates students to strive for success, and they achieve well across various subjects. Northmoor Academy is described as a nurturing environment where pupils feel cared for and happy to learn. The curriculum is engaging and designed to inspire pupils, fostering pride in their work and an understanding of how their current learning will benefit their future.
Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour and routines, which pupils meet with exemplary conduct. The school emphasizes the importance of regular attendance, and as a result, attendance rates are improving. Northmoor Academy promotes an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, ensuring that all pupils treat one another with respect.
The ambitious curriculum supports all pupils, with most subjects thoughtfully designed to build on prior knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clearly identifying essential concepts in some subjects, which can lead to difficulties for a few pupils in connecting their learning. Despite this, current pupil achievement is notably better than published data suggests, especially for those who join the school mid-year and may initially lack age-appropriate knowledge and skills.
The school provides tailored support for pupils who speak English as an additional language, helping them to quickly develop their language skills. Reading is prioritized across all year groups, with staff trained to support pupils in becoming confident readers. Early years children are introduced to phonics and enjoy sharing books with adults, while older pupils are encouraged to engage with literature that inspires them.
Mathematics instruction begins early, with children learning basic calculations through engaging activities. Throughout the school, pupils have ample opportunities to practice and apply their mathematical knowledge to solve problems effectively. The school also fosters an understanding of diversity and respect among pupils, who demonstrate maturity in discussing topics such as healthy relationships and online safety.
Trustees and governance bodies actively monitor the school's progress, ensuring that it takes appropriate actions for the benefit of all pupils. The trust provides effective support and professional development for staff, contributing to a positive work environment where staff feel valued and proud to be part of the school community.
While the school has many strengths, it recognizes the need to enhance vocabulary development for some pupils, particularly those in early years and those with special educational needs. Additionally, the school aims to clarify the essential knowledge required in certain subjects to improve overall learning outcomes. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident as the school seeks to ensure that all pupils acquire the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for their future learning.
