Outwood Academy Haydock has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted in its first inspection since joining Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT). The Clipsley Lane-based school, formerly Haydock High School, was graded ‘Inadequate’ in 2019 due to factors including quality of education and leadership and management. The school, which joined the Outwood Family of schools in January 2022, was subject to a two-day inspection earlier this month.

The report opens with praise for the improvements made in the quality of education, stating: ‘The school has high expectations of all pupils’ academic achievement. With a strengthened curriculum, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are now learning more successfully, in most subjects, than they did in the past.’

Other highlights of the report include:

• This is a school that is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect. Pupils benefit from high-quality pastoral support. There are strong relationships between staff and pupils.

• There is a consistent approach across the school to how behaviour is managed. Staff model the positive behaviour that they expect of pupils. Pupils behave politely and courteously.

• Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, take pride in their work. They build a secure body of knowledge over time.

• Teachers know what to teach and when to teach it. They are experts in their subjects. The school has invested heavily in training for staff around the delivery of the curriculum.

• The school is motivated by preparing pupils to thrive in modern Britain. This includes raising pupils’ aspirations through a carefully constructed careers programme.

• The school has prioritised reading. Pupils who struggle with reading are given support that helps them to become fluent and confident readers.

• Pupils’ wider development is carefully considered through a raft of exciting opportunities such as workshops with visiting poets, trips to outward bound centres and involvement in local community projects.

• Under the guidance and support from the trust, staff flourish.

Phil Abram, Principal at Outwood Academy Haydock, said:

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us. It is an absolute pleasure for us to work in this community. Haydock is a special place and deserves to have a good secondary school.
“Whilst it is pleasing to read that the inspectors enjoyed visiting our school, we will continue to work extremely hard to support our students in every aspect of their learning and experiences to achieve the best possible outcomes and develop as learners and people.

“To further support this we are working closely with secondary schools across St Helens to collectively ensure that all of our young people develop as good citizens and can pursue their chosen career upon leaving school.”

Lee Wilson, CEO at OGAT, added:

“As a Family of Schools, Outwood Grange Academies Trust is incredibly proud of the transformation at Outwood Academy Haydock. Once deemed 'Inadequate', the academy now shines as a beacon of sustained success.

“This fantastic report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire school community. Outwood Academy Haydock is truly putting students first, raising standards and transforming lives.”