A FORMER "pupil" is behind an ailing school's impressive turn around and his "teacher" has been helping him!

Jonathan Bell returned to Westwood Academy as principal - having done his teacher training there in 2006 - to help lift them from a damning Ofsted report and "inadequate" rating which left them languishing near the bottom of the league tables.

Not only that but the 33-year-old head's teacher training mentor at Westwood, Sarah Chandler, is now his assistant principal, helping him and the team steer the school on an incredible improvement journey which has earned them a "good" from Ofsted and seen them jump 13,500 places in the national league table.

Jonathan, a father-of-two from Delph, joined Westwood Academy in January 2015, shortly after it was taken over by sponsors, The Harmony Trust.

A huge turnover of staff - including five headteachers in four years - and falling standards meant the then 30-year-old had a tough task on his hands. He also became a father for the second time just three weeks in!

But under his guidance and, he says, thanks to his amazing team of staff, the school can now boast children's achievements in Year 6 in the top 10 per cent of schools nationally in reading, writing and maths.

Ofsted also declared them "outstanding" in areas of personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for pupils.

The report stated: "Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They are passionate about their teaching and provide well-planned lessons which enthuse the pupils, who make at least good progress. Some pupils make very rapid progress."

And he says he was particularly proud of their comments which say: "The school is a happy learning environment that meets the social, emotional and academic needs of the pupils."

"Happiness so rarely goes in an Ofsted report so that makes me very happy and it stands out because children's happiness is a very important thing to have in a school," said Jonathan.

"The report is a recognition of the hard work, skill and expertise of all of the incredible staff at Westwood Academy. I feel very well supported by The Harmony Trust at all levels and I am proud to be part of such a child-focussed multi-academy trust. The Westwood children and families make my job really enjoyable and it is a privilege to be a part of this team."

"To come back here and work with the staff again after doing my training here is really, really lovely and makes it even more special.

"Sarah was my NQT mentor and she is the only teacher left from the original staff. Having her there has been amazing, especially in the first few months. Her support has been incredible - she's been a godsend.

"A lot of the original teaching assistants are still here and had to take that initial kicking so its good for them to be really recognised for their hard work."

The former Blue Coat student also said his wife, Jane, who is now a teacher at Oldham's Northmoor Academy, has been a tower of strength through some difficult times.

"I have had a lot to learn very quickly but the support from the staff, the trust and Jane has been brilliant.

"Jane's been absolutely incredible, especially as our second daughter was born three weeks into the job. Jane has really helped to make sure I could do this while keeping everything else going."

Developing pupils' speaking and listening skills and the Harmony Trust 'Read-Achieve-Succeed' initiative have been integral to the success of Westwood Academy.

Children having access to weekly drama lessons, supported by a specialist teacher, weekly involvement with The Prince William Award and a range of school trips and experiences designed to give the children a broader understanding of the world around them.