Minister returns to former school to celebrate its transformation

FORMER Oulder Hill Leadership Academy pupil and current Minister for Children and Families Josh MacAlister OBE MP made a welcome return to the school to celebrate a remarkable period of transformation and achievement.

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Joining him for the special visit were local MPs Elsie Blundell and Paul Waugh.

Like Minister MacAlister, Paul Waugh MP also once walked the corridors of Oulder Hill as a pupil.

The distinguished guests were greeted by Principal Adi Smale, alongside the school's Head Boy and Head Girl, before embarking on a programme of activities designed to showcase the school's impressive progress and the life-changing opportunities it is creating for young people across Rochdale.

The three MPs gained insight into the school's rapid improvement journey and witnessed first-hand the ambition and high aspirations that are helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

Since joining Star Academies four years ago, the school has successfully redefined the expectations and outcomes of its young people.

Once facing persistent challenges in attainment, attendance and behaviour, Oulder Hill has recently celebrated its best Ofsted outcome in 14 years and secured vastly improved academic results that now place it as the second highest-performing secondary school in Rochdale.

The impact on the school's most disadvantaged pupils has been transformational, with attainment doubling and 99% of pupils now securing a positive onward destination.