Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

During their time at Cherry Orchard, pupils achieve exceptionally well, feel highly valued and flourish. Inclusion is not simply something pupils learn about. It is a lived reality which permeates every aspect of the provision. Leaders and staff work with precision to identify and remove barriers that might hinder pupils’ success. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities who attend the school’s specially resourced provision are included fully in school life. As a result, all pupils are supported to thrive. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils feel very safe at school and trust staff to help them should any concerns arise. The school celebrates its place in the international community. This helps pupils to value diversity and develop a broad understanding of the world around them. Pupils embody the school’s vision of establishing strong roots while growing into global citizens. They are exceptionally well prepared for their future lives. Pupils’ attendance is excellent. They benefit fully from an ambitious curriculum that secures strong foundational skills, while broadening their horizons. From the Nursery Year onwards, pupils develop confidence and resilience through the school’s carefully planned ‘learning behaviours’. For example, pupils know the importance of being a ‘risk taker’ and explain how this helps them to overcome challenges and persevere when things become difficult. Pupils value receiving ‘gold stars’ and ‘shout-out’ rewards to celebrate occasions when they demonstrate these positive behaviours. The school’s extensive wider development programme helps pupils develop a myriad of skills and knowledge. Through enterprise projects, meaningful job roles and the 'Cherry Pennies' scheme, pupils develop strong financial awareness and decision-making skills. They weigh up whether to spend their ‘Cherry Cash’ immediately or save it towards a larger reward in the future. An impressively wide and precisely planned range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities further enhances pupils’ experiences and broadens their cultural understanding.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should build on the established strengths in the early years to enhance the high standards of education and care for all children, including those who are disadvantaged.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)