Westwood Boys School

Westwood Boys School is an Islamic independent school with a small pupil population, inspected in March 2026. The school has many notable strengths: pupils are happy, feel safe, and behave exceptionally well; attendance is consistently high with no persistent absentees; and the school provides a well-rounded curriculum with strong careers guidance and enriching personal development opportunities. Pupils, including those with additional needs, typically achieve well and are prepared for their next steps. However, the inspection identified serious failings in safeguarding, which is graded 'not met'. Leaders and the proprietor have not created an open and positive culture around safeguarding, do not keep accurate records, fail to share information with external agencies, and do not provide regular training to designated safeguarding leads. As a result, pupils are placed at significant risk of harm. Leadership and governance are graded 'urgent improvement' because the proprietor lacks the knowledge and skills to ensure statutory duties are met, and improvement actions are not prioritised in the best interests of vulnerable pupils. Inclusion is graded 'needs attention' due to weaknesses in supporting pupils with SEND, including a lack of engagement with external experts and insufficient staff training. Overall, while the school offers a caring and academically effective environment, urgent action is required to address safeguarding and leadership deficiencies so that pupils are properly protected.

Strengths

• Pupils' attendance is consistently high, with no persistent absentees.
• The school environment is calm and purposeful, with exemplary pupil behaviour.
• Pupils show respect, kindness, and extensive peer support.
• Pupils are engaged in their learning and develop positive independent learning habits.
• The curriculum is balanced and well-sequenced across all subjects.
• Teachers are supported to develop subject-specific knowledge and use effective assessment.
• Pupils with additional needs typically achieve well and receive effective academic support.
• Personal development is well catered for through PSHE, RSE, and enrichment activities.
• Pupils receive helpful careers information, advice, and guidance.
• Staff feel well supported, and leaders take steps to address workload.

Areas for Improvement

• Safeguarding standards are not met; leaders have not created an open and positive culture around safeguarding.
• The proprietor does not understand or carry out statutory core functions to keep children safe.
• Designated safeguarding leaders do not receive regular up-to-date training.
• Safeguarding concerns are not routinely reported or recorded accurately.
• The school is reluctant to share information with external professionals, hindering support for pupils.
• Some pupils do not receive early help and support, such as counselling or expert health services.
• There is no oversight or review of serious incidents, including allegations of harm by staff.
• The SEND policy is not implemented effectively; staff are not well informed about supporting pupils' needs.
• Leaders do not engage with expert professionals or external agencies to assess pupils' needs.
• Some pupils have unmet SEND and do not benefit from expert provision for their wellbeing.
• The proprietor lacks the knowledge and skills to ensure independent school standards are consistently met.
• Leaders do not prioritise improvement actions in the best interests of pupils, particularly vulnerable pupils.
• Staff do not receive adequate training on reporting and recording safeguarding concerns.

In 2025–26, 0.0% of pupils at Westwood Boys School were on SEN support (nationally 18.4%) and 0.0% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 7.9%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded independent school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

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• Secondary Schools

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What is Westwood Boys School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Westwood Boys School is Urgent improvement, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was Westwood Boys School last inspected by Ofsted?

Westwood Boys School was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does Westwood Boys School have?

Westwood Boys School has 44 pupils on roll.

What age range does Westwood Boys School cover?

Westwood Boys School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is Westwood Boys School?

Westwood Boys School is at 121 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1TE.