Irlam & Cadishead Academy

"Where do I begin with Irlam and Cadishead Academy? For starters the staff's lack of care. Bullying was actively ignored. One teacher (now no longer working there) didn't report a girl making fun of me, despite speaking to her. Two members of staff cornered me over my self harm, with very little respect. They handled the situation poorly. On many occasions my needs have been ignored by staff. reporting bullying never got anything done, not even speaking to the child in question. Even after correcting staff on my pronouns, they still weren't used. Asking for help in lessons was effectively useless. One maths teacher even threatened to give me an hours detention when I told her that I had therapy and couldn't make a resit exam (not GCSE) that night. Another member of staff told me she couldn't speak to a girl about following me because she was autistic. One member of staff was contacted by my therapist about getting a diagnosis on something that could impact my education (it should have been between the end of year 9 and beginning of year 10). I asked about it and never received an answer. I missed something that could have helped me receive appropriate support! Another issue I have is the blatant transphobia! I was missgendered by all, but two, members of staff. Despite being openly queer for four, out of five, years at school only TWO members of staff used my correct pronouns. even the teacher who changed my register name didn't use them. I will give praise to Mr Smith and Mr Thomas for using my correct pronouns! Especially Mr Smith, as he used Mx (in place if Mr and Ms) in emails. However, that doesn't change the fact that the rest of the staff actively ignored when I asked them to use different pronouns. During my time at ICA I used they/them, and not once was that respected! Not to mention a student was transphobic in front of staff, and didn't even get detention. He was just sent out of class. Even admitting he was aware it was a hate crime. The only time transphobia was at all dealt with was when I was sobbing in the hall due to two students insisting I was a female, and that my classmate was incorrect in saying I wasn't. Again praise goes to Mr Thomas for helping me during that history lesson. Students where regularly in IE (internal exclusion) to do (effectively) no work. The reasoning was usually uniform! If you wore the wrong shoes due to rain, IE. If you didn't take you coat off at the gate, IE. If you didn't wear your jumper or blazer in summer, IE. There where almost no students in IE for a valid reason, they where mostly uniform related. I have also seen a student get sent out of class for drinking water! You would even get detention for not having your PE socks. It is ridiculous! Not to mention being made to do an hours detention for not doing an hour of Hegarty Maths! It was based on time not the work. Students got away with doing basic addition for an hour. I can truly say only four teachers made going to school worthwhile for me. My year 11 maths teacher especially. I think I would have failed without the support she provided. My construction teacher as well, he was absolutely amazing at what he did! He also took bullying seriously! This school is absolutely a joke. I am regretting leaving this review so long, as I feel awful for the students currently attending. This school has no bullying policy (if they do, they sure don't stick to it)! They do not discipline students correctly. They care more for appearance than education. I truly hope that no one else sends their child to this school. If you want your child to receive a proper education, and to have proper support, please look elsewhere! If I could I would have given this school no stars."

"Funnily enough, my last review was 5 stars, that's because before I left, the teachers found my last review, found that it was me and excluded me. I can't recommend this place any less, do not send your children here."

"The school has been on an incredible journey. The staff are dedicated and truly want what is best for the school"

"Fantastic Academy! Amazing and supportive place to work. Staff have high expectations for pupils and strive to help them break through the glass ceiling. Strong SEND department which is growing from strength to strength. Part of a trust which believes in continuous development and the best standard of education."

"Bad school. I was put in IE for a month streight with hardly any work everyday and put in there for a few days because I didn’t wear the proper shoes as it was raining all week. They care more about the way you look than the acctual teaching."