Co-op Academy North Manchester has been assessed as a good school during its recent inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The principal, Sharon Hands, leads the school, which is part of the Co-operative Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Dr. Chris Tomlinson and a board of trustees chaired by Russell Gill. The school benefits from the guidance of an executive headteacher, Steve Brice, who oversees this institution and another school.
The school provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils are increasingly meeting the school’s high expectations, and many are achieving well. However, the published outcomes for 2023 did not fully reflect this success due to a significant number of pupils joining the school late in their education, specifically at the end of Year 10, which limited their exposure to the curriculum and support.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of behavioral expectations and show respect towards staff. They exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and generally strive to do their best. During social times, pupils engage in various sporting activities, contributing to a calm and respectful atmosphere throughout the school. The overall behavior of pupils is commendable, and they express happiness and commitment to the school and their community, often participating in volunteer activities and enjoying extracurricular clubs, particularly in music and leadership roles.
The school has designed a well-structured curriculum that builds on prior knowledge and connects new concepts effectively. Teachers are clear about the essential knowledge that needs to be taught and the sequence in which it should be delivered. However, there are inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum in a few subjects, which can hinder some pupils' learning experiences. While assessment strategies are generally effective in identifying misconceptions, there are instances where assessment information is not utilized to address gaps in knowledge, leading to some pupils lacking a secure understanding across subjects.
Teachers excel in introducing new vocabulary and ensuring pupils use it correctly, which enhances pupils' ability to articulate their understanding. This focus on communication prepares them well for future endeavors. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and adapts learning approaches to meet their needs, contributing to their overall success.
Reading is prioritized, with the school promptly identifying pupils who struggle and providing necessary support. The integration of reading across the curriculum has positively impacted pupils' reading fluency. Attendance is also a focus, with the school analyzing absence data to implement strategies for improvement. Despite these efforts, some pupils still do not attend regularly.
The school offers strong careers provision, preparing pupils for their next steps and ensuring they are equipped to engage with society. Pupils learn to appreciate diversity and are educated on important social issues, including consensual relationships and how to report harassment.
The trust has played a supportive role in the school's development, with trustees and governors demonstrating a commitment to its progress. They possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, holding the school accountable effectively. Teachers report manageable workloads, aided by support staff.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent curriculum delivery and effective use of assessment information to address learning gaps. Overall, Co-op Academy North Manchester continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with a strong foundation for future growth and development.
