Two failing schools to come under new management

Two failing schools are set to join a new trust in an attempt to turn their fortunes around.

Longdendale High School and Rayner Stephens High School have been given the green light by the Regional Schools Commissioner to join Stamford Park Trust.

The pair of schools were in the news last week after being rated “Inadequate” by the schools inspector, Ofsted.

Now, they’re set to join a trust established by Ashton Sixth Form College, becoming the first secondary schools to do so.

Tameside Council say they have worked with the school leaders to facilitate the transfer.

Ashton Sixth Form is currently rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Anton McGrath, principal at Ashton Sixth Form College, said: “This is an exciting new chapter in the history of both schools and the college. By collaborating and working together, we aim to provide a world class education for all across all three educational establishments, to provide strong progression opportunities for students attending both Rayner Stephens and Longdendale High Schools and to help students realise their ambitions for the future.”

He added, “this is an unprecedented opportunity to share good practice and develop outstanding teaching and learning approaches to the benefit of all.”

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “I’m delighted that a local solution has been achieved that will see Ashton Sixth Form College share it’s learning and outstanding practice with Longdendale and Rayner Stephens High Schools.

“This collaboration will support the academies’ rapid improvements and help improve the quality of education for young people in the borough. We will support them throughout their development to help students in achieving their ambitions.”

The academies, currently part of AspirePlus Educational Trust, will transfer to Stamford Park Trust in the new calendar year. A period of consultation will provide an opportunity for staff, parents and other interested parties to comment on the proposal.

During the Ofsted inspections Longdendale High School was given the damning rating in two categories - “Behaviour and attitudes” and “Leadership and management.”

In “Quality of Education” and “Personal Development” they received the higher grade “Requires improvement.”

The English, art and drama departments were singled out for praise, with Ofsted saying: “pupils reach high standards because the curriculum is ambitious, and teachers are skilled” but criticised other subjects where “a weak curriculum and lots of staff changes have stopped pupils from achieving well.”

At Rayner Stephens, they were rated Inadequate in the “Quality of Education” category, whilst being rated as “Requires improvement” in “Behaviour and Attitudes” and “Personal Development”. The academy was rated as “Good” in “Leadership and Management.”

The report heaps praise on the school’s changing culture, saying that “pupils feel happy and valued” and that “pupils are more tolerant of each other and of difference.”