The report published this week, celebrates Moorside as a caring community, where leaders have high expectations of students’ behaviour and learning, and where students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.

The Salford school has maintained its previous ‘Good’ judgement in 2014 under a much tougher Ofsted framework, having joined Consilium Academies in 2018. The newly appointed headteacher, Helen Ryles-Dean, took up her post in April, and with the support of Consilium, will use this report as a strong foundation on which to drive forward further improvements at Moorside. 

Inspectors praise the leadership team, trustees and local governors who have worked closely to improve many aspects of the school. They remark that staff are proud to work at Moorside, and value the efforts made by leaders to support their wellbeing. The report is also clear that parents and carers are very positive about leaders and staff and appreciate the support their children receive.

Impressed by the academic progress being made by students, the inspection team comments that leaders have reviewed and refreshed the curriculum, allowing students to study a broad range of subjects, which is setting them up well for the next stage of their learning. Leaders are also praised for identifying the needs of students with SEND quickly, they adapt how students access learning, so that they can learn the same ambitious curriculum as others in the school. 

Inspectors highlight many impressive areas of school life in the report, stating that students are friendly, welcoming, and polite, and respect and celebrate differences between people. They learn well in a calm environment; they are resilient to setbacks and proud of their work. The report comments on the personal development curriculum, which is helping students to become responsible citizens, and allowing them to make a valuable contribution to school life, for example through the school council. 

Outside the classroom, inspectors are impressed with the wide range of clubs and activities on offer to inspire and interest students, such as drama productions, and lacrosse and mythology clubs. Students also benefit from a well-designed careers programme, with most, including those with SEND, continuing into education, employment, or training.

Helen Ryles-Dean, Headteacher at Moorside High School, part of Consilium Academies, said: 

“Moorside has been on an incredible journey over the past few years, and I am so proud to have been part of a new leadership team, working alongside Consilium Academies, to achieve this incredible outcome, while keeping our students at the centre of everything we do. 

“We have only been able to achieve this because our leaders, staff and students work consistently together as a team. Our students are some of the warmest I have ever been privileged to work with, and I am delighted that Ofsted has highlighted what we already know well about them.  

“Our promise to provide the best educational experience possible remains strong. There are always things we can improve on, and we are really excited about the future of our school. There is nothing we won’t do for our children to ensure that they succeed.”

David Clayton, Chief Executive at Consilium Academies, said: 

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Consilium and at Moorside. Everyone has come together to form an excellent team – students, parents, staff, and leaders – making our Moorside community what it is today. 

“I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised what a wonderful school Moorside is. A school which places its students at the heart of everything it works towards, and cares about every member of its community. 

“This report provides a very strong platform for further improvements under Helen’s leadership, and I am excited to work with her and the team on the next chapter at Moorside.”