An ambitious Manchester headteacher has challenged his school to improve further and set its sights higher, after an Ofsted report reflected its gradual transformation.
Wythenshawe’s Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA) was deemed ‘Inadequate’ in a January 2012 inspection, but has been upgraded a level in the most recent report.
With quality of teaching, leadership and management and pupil behaviour all improving, principal James Eldon feels the only way is up for the academy.
“We’re pleased that Ofsted have recognised that the academy is performing better and we’re now ambitious to move it to ‘Outstanding’,” he said.
“We are continuing to raise standards and ensure that the transformation of MEA continues.
“There’s still more to do and I want to ensure that this is one of the best academies in the country.
“Nevertheless, it is heartening that Ofsted recognised the significant improvements within the academy.”
The school opened in September 2009 and Mr Eldon and his team have been in position for the past 14 months to transform the school’s fortunes.
The inspectors identified improvements in GCSE grades and pupils’ positive attitude to their work – changes which are starting to feed through and means the school’s overall rating still ‘requires improvement’.
Just fewer than 500 students attend the school and Eddy Newman, Labour councillor for Woodhouse Park, feels the school is now moving forward.
“Many of my constituents comment that they are pleased with the improvements at the MEA,” he told MM.
“They feel it now offers the opportunities and the calm environment that make it worthy of serious consideration as the school to which they consciously choose to send their children.
“Results need to improve, but this takes time – and the school is clearly going in the right direction.
“Most of the aspects of the school, including its leadership, are now categorised by Ofsted as ‘Good’.”
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