IT is a school which pupils are proud to attend and one where they all achieve well.

Essa Academy has been graded a ‘good’ school by Ofsted inspectors, who have lifted it out of the ‘requires improvement’ category.

Inspectors from the government’s education watchdog reported: “Without exception, every pupil who spoke to an inspector said they are proud to attend Essa Academy.

“Pupils described their school as a happy, harmonious and safe place to grow and learn.

“Pupils were unanimous in their view that the school had improved considerably since the previous inspection.”

Every area of the school was marked as ‘good’.

Teachers were said to have expectations of what ‘pupils can and should achieve’.

 

Pupils were described as enjoying their subjects and spoke highly of what they called the ‘Essa Experience’.

“Across the school, all pupils achieve well,” reported inspectors, who found that young people have access to to an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

They added: “Leaders, including trustees and governors, have taken effective steps to improve the quality of education that pupils receive.

“Leaders have created a strong, purposeful learning environment where pupils behave well and enjoy their lessons.”

Headteacher Martin Knowles said: “I am delighted with the Ofsted report.

"Since I joined, we have been on a journey to ensure every child succeeds.

"This is further recognition of that journey. We now push on to become outstanding.

"The trust and support I have received over the past four years from my governors, CEO and Trustees and Bolton Council has been incredible. I want to thank in particular the wonderful staff at Essa, parents, carers and of course the students.

"We have a very special school and it's an honour to lead it. The first line of the report brought me to tears!"

.”