The government watchdog Ofsted has published its latest school inspection summaries for Greater Manchester, covering reports issued between 10 and 24 July. The round contains a mix of commendations and cautions for education settings across the region, including a positive notice for a Stockport primary.
New-style report cards and what they mean for parents
Ofsted has continued using its redesigned, descriptive report cards rather than the traditional single-word overall grades. The new format provides separate, colour-coded assessments across areas such as attendance and behaviour, achievement, personal development and well-being and inclusion. The scale applied ranges from exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention to urgent improvement.
This change is intended to give parents a clearer picture of strengths and the next steps for improvement at each school, rather than a single overall label.
Positive mentions and areas of concern
Certain settings were praised for their work with pupils who have had disrupted education. For example, The Greens ENS and Progress Schools Gorton were noted for helping pupils “rediscover a joy for learning” by adopting approaches characterised by “patience, care and humour”.
“An abundance of tolerance” — a phrase used to describe the atmosphere at a Stockport primary.
In Stockport specifically, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School was singled out as a “safe haven” for pupils of different backgrounds, with inspectors noting the school’s “abundance of tolerance”.
Not all reports were unreservedly positive. Several headteachers were advised that aspects of their schools, including achievement and behaviour, “need attention”. Inspectors highlighted that some schools must take firmer action to tackle low attendance or address incidents of bullying.
- Reports published cover special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), primary and secondary settings across the region.
- Inspections in this period are listed by borough; not all boroughs receive reports every round.
- The new assessment language aims to be more specific about strengths and weaknesses.
Local impact and practical information
For parents and carers in Stockport, the new-style reports offer more detail on particular areas of school life to discuss at parents’ evenings or when deciding on places. If you are concerned about attendance or behaviour in your child’s school, the summaries can point to whether inspectors have already raised those issues.
| School | Borough | Noted for |
|---|---|---|
| St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School | Stockport | Described as a “safe haven” with an “abundance of tolerance” |
| The Greens ENS | Manchester | Helping pupils with disrupted schooling re-engage |
| Progress Schools Gorton | Manchester | Praised for patient, caring approaches |
Parents who want to read the full inspection reports should consult Ofsted’s website, where each school’s detailed summary is published. Local governors and school leaders will be considering the reports as they plan improvements for the new academic year.
