Oasis Academy Leesbrook, located in Oldham, Lancashire, underwent its first inspection on January 17 and 18, 2023, since opening in September 2018. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The inspection highlighted the pride pupils take in their diverse school community and the positive environment fostered by leaders. Pupils feel happy and safe, developing a sense of belonging through initiatives like family dining and having trusted adults to discuss concerns. Incidents of bullying are addressed effectively, contributing to a supportive atmosphere.
Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, with clear routines that enhance the learning environment. The school promotes ambitious academic goals, with a significant number of pupils pursuing the English Baccalaureate. Opportunities for leadership roles and participation in extracurricular activities are abundant, with most pupils engaging in at least two activities weekly. The curriculum is designed to be relevant and high-quality, focusing on broadening pupils' understanding of their local context and the wider world. Subject leaders have carefully selected topics and identified essential knowledge for pupils to learn in a logical sequence.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective strategies to support pupil learning. They select appropriate activities to help pupils understand and retain new information, leading to good achievement across the curriculum. Assessment strategies are in place to check pupil understanding, although some teachers need to improve their ability to track knowledge retention over time, which can lead to gaps in learning. Leaders recognize that reading can be a barrier for many pupils and have implemented a robust reading program to support fluency and confidence. Additionally, a targeted intervention program is being developed for pupils struggling with reading.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are included in the ambitious curriculum, with teachers adapting their delivery to meet diverse needs. However, there are instances where the identification of these needs could be more timely, resulting in some pupils not receiving the most effective support promptly. The school environment is calm and focused, with positive relationships between pupils and teachers, contributing to a conducive learning atmosphere.
The personal development curriculum addresses relevant issues, such as online safety, and provides a suitable careers program to guide pupils in their future pathways. Leaders are committed to addressing social disadvantage and have taken steps to reduce staff workload, which is appreciated by the majority of staff. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of local issues and ensuring staff are well-trained in their responsibilities. Robust systems are in place for recording concerns and engaging with external agencies to support pupils in need.
To improve, the school should enhance assessment strategies to better identify gaps in pupil knowledge and ensure timely support for pupils with special educational needs. By focusing on these areas, Oasis Academy Leesbrook can continue to build on its strengths and provide an excellent educational experience for all its pupils.
