Bolton UCS rated as 'good' by Ofsted after 'transformation'

The University Collegiate School has been taken out of special measures to be rated as "good", a major turnaround from a report released less than two years ago which branded it “inadequate."

The Deane Road based school, which teaches more than 500 pupils between the ages of 11 and 19, was given the new Ofsted rating after an inspection in September.

The most recent report said: “This school has undergone a transformation since the 2022 inspection.

“Pupils, and students in the sixth form, are delighted with the improvements that the school has made. 

“They feel happier, safer and more able to learn at school.”

The school has been rated as good across all areas (Image: Quest)

It added: “When University Collegiate School was inspected in December 2022, it was judged to require special measures. 

“Subsequently, the school was inspected on two occasions. 

“At the last monitoring inspection, leaders were judged to have made progress to improve the school, but more work was necessary for the category of concern to be removed.”

The school, which took in its first pupils in September 2020, began the process of turning itself around after an “inadequate” rating after an inspection in 2022.

Dave Terry was installed as interim head of school in February the following year and told The Bolton News he had begun the process of turning UCS around straight away.

This has now paid off with a glowing inspection report that has rated the school “good” across all areas.

The inspectors, led by Ben Hill, visited Bolton UCS, which is part of the Quest Trust, on Tuesday September 24 and Wednesday September 25.

Bolton UCS is based on Deane Road (Image: Newsquest)

They found that pupils were behaving well and were beginning to achieve more highly than in the past while benefitting from “unique opportunities” for vocational learning at the school.

The report said: “In the main, pupils’ conduct is purposeful and calm. 

“They understand how to live up to the school’s values. 

“The school ensures that any poor behaviour is dealt with effectively so that learning is not disrupted. 

“The school is also working successfully with the families of pupils who are often absent from school. 

“Some pupils’ rates of attendance are increasing as a result.”

Headteacher James Inman, who joined the school in September last year, says this is a vindication of all the hard work staff and students have put in.

He said: “The inspection was a celebration of all the things that make UCS a uniquely positive experience for our students. 

“Staff and students worked hard to showcase what life was like in school and the inspection team were very pleased with what was on offer. 

“Transforming the school has been a positive learning experience, as has working with the Bolton schools committed to supporting opportunities and experiences for all pupils across the borough through the Bolton Learning Partnership.

 “Choosing the right high school for your child is such a daunting and challenging task, especially in Bolton where the quality of education is continuously improving. 

“We recommend a visit to UCS to take a closer look at school life. 

“We are outwardly transparent and encourage visits throughout the school year”.

Quest chief executive officer Marc Doyle said that the new rating comes at an exciting time for UCS, which is planning expand over the next year.

He said: “I am proud to lead an organisation that is open to and focused on collaboration as well as strong outcomes. 

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“There’s a genuine buzz around the whole of the school community. 

“With the recent opening of our Multi-Use Games Area and our school extension, which is on track for completion in August, our students feel a real sense of belonging in school. 

“The new build, in particular, will provide access to a suite of new learning facilities which will enable us to deliver further the technical education students enjoy when joining UCS. 

“News of the Ofsted outcomes has added to this excitement".