Great News

There are three items of news which I would like to share as the end of the academic year approaches.

Firstly, we have an important update on academisation.

For seven years now the Governing Body of Matthew Moss High School has been investigating the best options for the school to become an academy and the Regional Schools Commissioner has now issued the Academy Order which allows us to move forward . We are pleased to be following in the footsteps of other successful Rochdale institutions such as Hollingworth Academy and Rochdale Sixth Form College, who have already converted to become academies.

For our part, we are excited to be joining the Watergrove Trust, a local, high-quality multi-academy trust, to work alongside St. Andrew’s CofE Primary School, St. James’ CofE Primary School, Kentmere Academy and Wardle Academy. We hope to convert by 1st November 2019 and we will keep all our partners and stakeholders updated as we move forward. Furthermore, Dr. Graham Wright, the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Watergrove Trust, has also announced his well-earned retirement, which will take place around the time of our joining. I would like to be the first of many to honour the great work enacted by Graham Wright in building, from scratch, such a high-performing trust: all the schools in the Watergrove Trust are performing above national levels and just in the last week Kentmere Academy has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Pearson Primary School of the Year awards. This is an impressive finale to a long and fruitful career and it is with excitement and determination that I look forward to carrying this great work forward myself as CEO of the Watergrove Trust, in addition to my continuing role as Headteacher of Matthew Moss High School.

These transitions have been thoroughly planned and organised, however, if any parents have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact the school. In addition, I will be available from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday 10th July and on Thursday 18th July to personally answer any questions you may have.

Over 75% of secondary schools in England are now academies; it is very good news that we have found such marvellous local partners for the next stage of our journey as a school.

Secondly, I would like to celebrate the outstanding CHANGE strengths of the outgoing Yr11. Not only did they study right up to the wire, to the last examination, but their deportment and behaviour at the recent Leavers Prom was breath-takingly mature and good-natured. Indeed the staff at the Riverside Suite said that they did not have one corrective or cautionary word to say to anyone, the whole night long and our learners departed the venue, on time, with expressions of thanks and goodwill to the Riverside staff, school staff and each other. Brilliant. Moreover on social media this weekend tributes have been made to Yr11 leaver Chris Howells, who demonstrated remarkable composure, agency and empathy in supporting an adult in crisis. Whilst other members of the public walked by, Chris stayed with the gentleman and contacted the authorities, waiting in support. What a magnificent example of real citizenship! Well done Chris.

Last, but not least, I make no apology for returning to the story of former learner Mohammed Ali, known as “The Diabetic Kid”, who continues his professional boxing career at Oldham Leisure Centre on the 3rd August.  Ali was recently awarded a CHANGE Honours Agency Award, recognising his two and a half year battle with the British Boxing Board of Control for the right to compete as Britain’s first diabetic professional boxer. We wish him every success in his future fights.

Have a great summer everyone! Be safe, have fun and make the most of the sunshine!

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