E-ACT the Oldham Academy North Review 2026: Thinking Big in Royton

Located in a £17 million purpose-built campus in Royton, E-ACT the Oldham Academy North serves a diverse local community with a clear focus on aspiration. Part of the E-ACT multi-academy trust, the school has established a reputation for adding significant value to students' academic outcomes. The Progress 8 score of +0.38 indicates that students here consistently achieve over a third of a grade higher than their peers with similar starting points across England.

The modern glass-fronted building on Broadway, opened in 2013, sets a professional tone from the outset. Inside, the atmosphere is purposeful and structured. The school operates under the E-ACT values of "Thinking Big, Doing the Right Thing, and Showing Team Spirit," mantras that are visible throughout the corridors and classrooms.

Mr James Wilson has led the school since September 2025, bringing experience from previous leadership roles in Oldham and Huddersfield. His leadership focuses heavily on high expectations and visible consistency. Students wear a smart blazer-based uniform, and movement around the building is calm. The diverse student body, representing various backgrounds and heritages, creates a vibrant community feel. The school describes itself as a "team," and this ethos is evident in the emphasis on mutual respect between staff and students.

The most recent public examination data highlights the school's strength in driving progress. The Progress 8 score of +0.38 places the school well above the England average of -0.03, demonstrating that teaching effectively unlocks potential regardless of prior ability.

In terms of raw attainment, the school ranks 1,576th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 6th among secondary schools in Oldham. The Attainment 8 score of 46.8 sits just above the England average of 45.9.

While progress is strong, the percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above is 22.7%. This figure reflects the school's broad curriculum offer, where students are encouraged to pursue vocational and creative options alongside the traditional academic core.

The curriculum follows a three-year Key Stage 3 model, ensuring students have a broad foundation before selecting options in Year 9. Teaching is structured and relies on the "E-ACT passport" approach, which standardises expectations for learning behaviours across the trust.

English and mathematics are prioritised, reflected in the strong progress scores. The school also emphasises reading, with dedicated literacy time embedded in the school day. Specialist facilities for science and technology allow for practical learning, and the modern classrooms are well-equipped with interactive technology.

As an 11-16 school, there is no sixth form on site. This means all students leave at the end of Year 11. The school has strong links with local post-16 providers. The majority of leavers progress to Oldham Sixth Form College or The Oldham College, while others secure apprenticeships or places at colleges in Rochdale and Manchester. The careers team works closely with students from Year 10 to ensure seamless transitions.

Admission is coordinated by Oldham Council. The school is popular and oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 362 applications for 252 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 1.4 applicants per place.

The school admits 300 students into Year 7 annually (following a recent expansion from 240). When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living nearest to the school measured in a straight line. There is no catchment area map; allocation is purely distance-based after other criteria are met.

Pastoral support is organised through a year-group structure, with non-teaching Pastoral Year Leaders available throughout the day to support students. This ensures that teachers can focus on teaching while immediate welfare issues are handled promptly.

The "Hub" provides a central space for students requiring additional emotional or behavioural support. Safeguarding is robust, with a culture that encourages students to report concerns. The school holds the Mental Health Award, reflecting its proactive approach to student wellbeing.

The extracurricular programme is diverse, leveraging the campus facilities. Sports are a major pillar, utilising the large sports hall, activity studio, and 3G artificial pitch. Competitive teams run for football, netball, and basketball.

Beyond sport, the "Thinking Big" curriculum includes clubs for debating, STEM, and creative arts. Distinctive options include the "Student Doctor's Program" for aspiring medics, a Robotics club, and a Harry Potter club for literacy enthusiasts. The creative arts department benefits from a dedicated theatre with professional lighting and sound, as well as a photography suite equipped with industry-standard software.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, some extracurricular trips, and individual music lessons.

The school day begins at 8:30am and finishes at 3:00pm. On Fridays, the school finishes earlier at 2:00pm to allow for staff professional development. The campus is located on Broadway (A663), making it easily accessible by bus from Oldham town centre and surrounding areas like Shaw and Royton. Uniform requirements are strict, including a branded blazer and tie, which can be purchased from local suppliers.

No Sixth Form. Students must change institutions at age 16. Families seeking a continuous seven-year education in one building will not find it here.

Strict Uniform. The school enforces high standards of dress. Families should be prepared to support these rules, including policies on shoes and haircuts.

Oversubscription. With 1.4 applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families living further away should verify the likelihood of a place based on recent distance cut-offs. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

E-ACT the Oldham Academy North is a high-performing local school that delivers excellent value-added progress for students. It combines the advantages of modern facilities with the structured support of a large trust. Best suited to families in Royton and North Oldham who value academic progress and a disciplined, modern environment. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular academy.