The remarkable turnaround of Atherton High School was hailed as a great success story by Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan on a visit with Leigh Conservative MP James Grundy.
Mr Grundy brought the Secretary of State to meet the students and staff at the school, which has gone from being threatened with closure a decade ago due to poor results to now being on the verge of being rated as outstanding by Ofsted.
Speaking after the visit, James said:
“It’s great to be here as the local MP visiting Atherton High School, which has been on an amazing journey over the last decade.
“I remember when I was a councillor, the school was facing closure with poor GCSE results but since it became a Free School it’s now on the verge of being rated as outstanding by Ofsted, looking to upgrade the school buildings and expand its pupil numbers this year.
“What has happened here at Atherton High School is a really important story for local people as they campaigned to keep the school open, so it was an absolute pleasure to bring the Education Minister here today to meet the staff and pupils and see the fantastic work they do.”
Echoing his words, Gillian added:
“I’d like to thank James for inviting me along to visit Atherton High School today and meet the staff and pupils.
“From speaking to pupils it’s obvious they are receiving a great education and are very happy, which is thanks to the headteacher, Mr Layzell and all his staff who are doing a brilliant job.”