Oasis Academy Oldham

Kaskenmoor is a mixed comprehensive school with 750 pupils aged 11 – 16. The school is situated on a pleasant campus to the south west of Oldham, about two miles from the town centre within easy access of the M60. It is a friendly, supportive school. Visitors frequently comment on the strength and quality of relationships, the politeness of our pupils and the commitment of our staff. OFSTED described us as a “very inclusive school”. The school already has resourced provision for pupils with physical disabilities and we were delighted to be chosen as the location for the construction of a brand-new Special School, which opens in September 2005. The new school contains a theatre/performance area and swimming pool for joint use to be shared by both institutions. Governors and Senior Leaders from both schools are strongly committed to collaborative working and have a vision of establishing a fully integrated campus on which every pupil will receive the best and most appropriate provision available in both schools. Developing the Arts is at the centre of this strategy and both schools are applying for Specialist Arts College status.

Kaskenmoor also faces significant challenges. We are considered by the DfES to be facing 'Challenging Circumstances'. Our pupils come from areas of severe economic and social disadvantage. Over one third of our pupils are eligible for free school meals. Many pupils have poor literacy levels, low self-esteem and very limited aspirations. Results are below average at both Keystages compared to similar schools and the gap between ourselves and similar local schools is widening. Although the school works hard to encourage good attendance the poor attendance of a significant minority of pupils depresses figures to below the LEA average.

The school is at a very exciting stage in its development as a re-consituted leadership team and new Headteacher embark on the implementation of an ambitious improvement plan. The school enjoys very strong support from the LEA and belongs to a number of local partnerships.