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A BURY high school which faced the axe is now on the way back to success, according to Ofsted.

Perhaps just as importantly, inspectors said that parents and pupils at Broad Oak think likewise, and are proud of the school.

One Year 11 student is quoted as as saying "The threat of closure pulled us all together as a community and we are now working for each other. It's a better place."

Broad Oak serves an area of high social and economic deprivation, said Ofsted, with above average numbers of pupils receiving free school meals and having special needs. Around 27 per cent are from ethnic minority groups.

It achieved specialist sports status in 2003, but was proposed for closure by Bury Council in 2005 due to falling pupil rolls across the borough.

Inspectors said that, during the closure threat, 30 per cent of its staff left, leading to a decline in standards and achievement. However, there was strong evidence that things were getting better, and the school was on course to meet the challenging targets it had set itself.

"This is now a satisfactory and improving school," inspectors said. "The headteacher has been the driving force for providing stability, embedding a culture of improvement and tackling the school's past pattern of underachievement."

They added that pupils' behaviour has improved greatly, as has attendance. Their personal development is good, they enjoy school, and relationships at all levels were strong. Students showed a strong sense of responsibility to others, and helped the community through charity and fundraising events.

"Students are proud of their school and parents are overwhelmingly supportive," said Ofsted.

Teaching is satisfactory and improving, while a good curriculum is now matching the interests and needs of students. The inspectors praised the school's vocational teaching, such as in hairdressing and practical trade skills. Academically, the majority of pupils were below average when they entered the school, but work to improve this was having an impact. While the percentage gaining five A*-Cs including English and maths was well below the national average, the number getting five A*-C grades was going up.

Headteacher Mr Neil O'Connor said he was pleased with the positive comments Ofsted made, especially given the recent threats to the school.

"There's no doubt that that stunted the improvement we started in 2004," he said. "But the school is going the right way, and there's a real sense of belonging. It's quite clear that parents want this school in the community, and both they and the students are proud of the school."

Mr O'Connor added: "We've recruited some very bright and energetic young staff who have added an immense amount to the school. We have a very strong foundation to move on and make further improvements."

Ofsted asked Broad Oak to improve in three areas: raise standards, especially in English; share good practice to raise the quality of teaching and learning; and ensure that marking is clear so students know how best to improve.

Ofsted report card

(Grades are either outstanding, good, satisfactory, or inadequate): Overall effectiveness: satisfactory Achievement and standards: satisfactory Personal development and well-being: good Quality of provision: satisfactory Leadership and management: satisfactory

8:42am Monday 28th January 2008

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