Co-op Academy Failsworth, located in Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in a positive evaluation of its overall effectiveness, which is rated as good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, where it was graded as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Phillip Quirk, leads the school, which is part of the Co-op Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Chris Tomlinson and a board of trustees chaired by Russell Gill.
The inspection highlighted that most pupils are happy to attend school, enjoying the supportive environment and the friendships they form. The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they feel safe and included. Pupils generally engage positively with their learning, adhering to school routines, which contributes to a calm and orderly atmosphere in classrooms and during social times.
The school has high expectations for pupil achievement and is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students, including those in the hub provision. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs and interests of pupils, allowing them to pursue a variety of qualifications. Achievement levels are improving year on year, reflecting the school’s dedication to academic success.
Extra-curricular activities play a significant role in the school experience, with a wide range of clubs available, such as badminton, drama, and rock band. These activities help pupils develop their skills in sports, teamwork, and the arts. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with a clear focus on the knowledge that pupils need to acquire. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize effective assessment strategies to identify and address pupils' learning needs.
The school promotes reading through initiatives like family reading time, fostering a love for literature among students. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing the strategies for supporting technical accuracy in pupils' writing. While examination results are improving, they still fall below national averages, indicating a need for continued focus on academic performance.
Behaviour management is rooted in the trust's values, and most pupils demonstrate consideration for one another, leading to minimal disruption in learning. The school is proactive in addressing attendance issues, resulting in increasing attendance rates. The personal, social, emotional, health, and economic education curriculum is well-designed, equipping pupils with the knowledge to navigate risks and understand diverse cultures.
The careers programme is comprehensive, providing pupils with numerous opportunities to engage with various organizations and employers, aiding them in making informed career choices. The governing council and trust members possess strong expertise, effectively challenging and supporting the school. Staff feel valued and motivated due to the support and training provided by school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to fully embed recent curriculum changes across all year groups to enhance pupil achievement further. Additionally, the approach to identifying and correcting errors in written work requires improvement to ensure pupils develop accuracy in their writing.
Overall, Co-op Academy Failsworth is making commendable strides in providing a supportive and effective educational environment, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
