A primary school in Manchester which was ordered to improve by Ofsted has become a Co-op Academy.

Medlock Primary School on Wadeson Road teaches pupils between the ages of two and 11. 

While the primary school was graded 'good' by the education watchdog in 2012, it had been ordered to improve in two subsequent inspections.

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In late 2021, Ofsted inspectors Janette Walker, Joan Williamson and Andy Hunt said the provision was 'good' in terms of the personal development of the pupils and their behaviour and attitudes.

However, they said the quality of education, leadership and management and its early years provision all required improvement.

A subsequent monitoring visit in June last year revealed that while leaders had made some progress to address its shortfalls, "some more work is necessary" for the school to get back its 'good' grade.

Inspector Stuart Perkins advised the school to "embed the phonics and early reading programme" and ensure staff are "secure in their subject knowledge".

Mr Perkins also said the primary should improve on its assessment systems in some subjects to further enable staff to identify any gaps that pupils may have in their learning.

Now, however, the school has joined the community-focused Co-op Academies Trust as of January this year and has changed its name to Co-op Academy Medlock.

The trust operates across the north of the country and works across several different regions, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Merseyside.

The trust already has nine academies and one college in Greater Manchester, most of which are graded 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Dr Chris Tomlinson, chief executive of Co-op Academies Trust, said: “We’re delighted to have Co-op Academy Medlock join our trust and add to our network of Manchester academies.

"We strongly believe, as an education charity, in having clusters of schools regionally that can support and challenge each other, working cooperatively together.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Co-op Academy Medlock and Headteacher Jonathan, his staff, pupils and parents to the Co-op family.

"And believe they’ll fit perfectly with our co-operative values and principles.”

Jonathan Brown, headteacher at Co-op Academy Medlock, said: “We are immensely proud to have joined such a supportive and community-driven trust. In the short time we have been working with the trust, we have been impressed with their knowledge, professionalism and commitment.

"We are very happy to be starting the next chapter of the school’s story with Co-op Academies by our side. ”

The school said changes to its uniform and signage will be "phased in" over the coming months but promised "no parent or carer will be out of pocket by the change of name".

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