Outstanding schools recognised by Ofsted Chief Inspector

Rochdale borough head teachers at the Outstanding Provider Event in Manchester

Eleven schools across the borough have been honoured by Ofsted in a celebratory event recognising outstanding schools in England.

Hopwood Community Primary, St Michael's CE Primary School and Holy Family RC and CE College from Heywood, Brimrod Community Primary, Lowerplace Primary, Marland Hill Community Primary, Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary, St Patrick's RC Primary, Whittaker Moss Primary School and Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College from the Rochdale and Pennines areas, and Sunny Brow Nursery School in Middleton attended the event at Manchester Town Hall which was hosted by Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Ofsted.

The Chief Inspector praised the top schools who had earned themselves a place in the annual list of outstanding providers published by Ofsted. Everyone on the list has shown an excellent quality of care, support and education to meet the needs of children, young people and adult learners.

There are 4,020 schools, colleges, childcare and social care providers in England judged to be outstanding in 2008-2009 – over 1,000 more than the previous year.

Christine Gilbert congratulated the three schools on their success and hard work in delivering such high standards: “Excellence does not happen by chance, these providers have a real drive to inspire, challenge, and support children, young people and adult learners. But there is no reason why everyone can’t be outstanding, I hope they will be a source of inspiration to others.”

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Children. Schools and Families at Rochdale Borough Council said: “All the schools who achieved the outstanding provider status should be extremely proud of their achievement which is the result of a lot of hard work from parents, staff, pupils and governors. We’re top of the class as there were more schools honoured from Rochdale than any other area which goes to show just how good our schools are.”

All those who appear on the Outstanding Providers list 2008/09 receive commemorative certificates and are authorised to use an outstanding provider logo.