Inspectors praise Oldham primary school's turnaround

An Oldham primary school is celebrating its turnaround from "requires improvement" four years ago to "Good" in all areas.

Inspectors have praised Werneth Primary School for the quality of its education, the behaviour and attitudes of its pupils, its leadership and management, the personal development of its staff and its early years provision.

The school, which has 429 pupils aged between three and 11, was told it “required improvement” at its last inspection in 2019.

In 2020, a new Principal took charge of the school and appointed some new members of staff to the senior leadership team.  

Inspectors, who visited the school last month, described the school as “a happy place” where “pupils are kind and friendly towards each other” and “respond well to high expectations”.

“Leaders expect pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to achieve their best,” the Ofsted report states. “Pupils are eager learners” and “listen attentively to their teachers … There is very little disruption in lessons.”

Inspectors particularly praised the school’s “ambitious, well-considered and aspirational” curriculum, its achievements in reading and the meditation activities it provides to support pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Jonathan Bell, the Principal of Werneth Primary School, said: “We agree with everything the inspectors have said. Werneth is a school where aspirations are high for all and children thrive in every way - academically, socially, mentally and physically. 

“It’s a privilege to lead a school like this. I have a superb team of teachers and support staff and together we have made Werneth a school community that local families are proud to be part of.”

Werneth Primary School is part of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, which also includes Oldham Sixth Form College, Broadfield Primary School and Hathershaw College.

Jayne Clarke, Executive Principal of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, said: “We’re so proud of Werneth. This is a credit to the excellent, experienced and hard-working team at the school. 

“Our Trust supports all our schools, and our college, to continuously improve and Werneth is an excellent example of this.”

Inspectors, who talked to staff and parents as part of their visit, said Werneth ensured that pupils who joined the school at different points in the academic year settled in quickly and successfully learned the curriculum.

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