Ofsted Inspection

The Blue Coat School in Oldham, part of the Cranmer Education Trust, has come through its first Ofsted inspection since 2011 with an “Outstanding” judgement.

Recent changes to government policy have seen a raft of Outstanding schools inspected for the first time in over a decade and Blue Coat is one of the few that has maintained its status.

In a report packed full of praise for pupils, staff and leaders alike, below are just a few of the stand-out statements made by inspectors:

• Pupils and students in the sixth form flourish at this school. They are immensely proud of their school and its history. Pupils are consistently polite and respectful.
• Leaders at all levels are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of education that they provide Teachers focus on continually developing their subject expertise.
• Teachers are furnished with detailed information about the needs of individual pupils. They expertly adapt their delivery of the curriculum to support pupils with SEND to know and remember more.
• Students in the sixth form strive to serve their local community, working towards the Blues Award which is given for 24 hours of voluntary service.
• Students in the sixth form behave impeccably. They are independent and highly studious.
• Pupils and students have positive attitudes towards their learning which are reflected in their high attendance.
• Pupils and students are extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders, governors and trustees are aspirational for all pupils, including students in the sixth form.

Headteacher, Robert Higgins said of the outcome:

“We are obviously delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection. There are so many positive aspects of the report but the part that is most pleasing is what is says about our young people; that they are happy and safe; they enjoy their learning, and they are incredibly proud of their school, its rich history and tradition.

The report also highlights the exceptional academic success that pupils and Sixth Form students at Blue Coat consistently achieve, as well the extensive opportunities they are presented with and the high levels of care and support they receive.

The inspectors also highlighted how hard our staff work for our young people, that they consistently go above and beyond every day, and also the strong support we have from parents, the Local Governing Body and The Cranmer Education Trust.

We are all incredibly proud.”

Julie Hollis, CEO of the Cranmer Education Trust (of which The Blue Coat School is part) said:

“This is a wonderful outcome for Blue Coat! The inspection was exacting, but the quality and depth of the school’s work, the commitment to equity and the investment in people shone though.

That is central to our culture and ethos as a trust, building collaboration and developing knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated professionals to achieve the very best provision for young people from 3-18 across all our schools in the Cranmer Education Trust.”

To view the Ofsted Report in full, click here:

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