Philips High School is celebrating after new Department for Education data placed it as one of the best performing comprehensive secondary schools in Bury and the North West. The figures, released on Friday 16 October, show the Whitefield school has achieved its best-ever GCSE results – a milestone moment for pupils, staff and families.
More than half of the school’s Year 11 cohort – 55% – earned a grade 5 or above in both English and maths, up by 10% compared to 2024 and significantly above the national average of 45%. The results reflect year-on-year progress under a new school improvement plan led by headteacher Chris Hibbert.
Chris took on the role as head in September 2024 and has focused on what he calls the “three pillars of learning” – high standards, behaviour and curriculum. “I’m incredibly proud of our pupils and staff” he said. “This success belongs to our whole school community. We’ve worked hard to raise expectations and create an environment where every child can thrive.”
Since joining Oak Learning Partnership, Philips has received additional support to embed effective policies, refine classroom practice and strengthen leadership. The trust’s emphasis on inclusion and collaboration has played a key part in the school’s transformation.
Over the last year, a new behaviour policy has helped reduce low-level behaviour to ensure pupils can focus on learning. A robust approach to tracking pupil outcomes has been implemented to ensure timely intervention is put in place when needed so that all learners can reach their potential.
The curriculum has also undergone a full review, with new academic and pastoral support introduced where it’s needed most. A major success so far has been the launch of a literacy strategy that’s boosted reading ages across the school, opening up learning to more pupils. Alongside this, a relentless focus on giving teachers the best professional development to equip them with the tools to teach at the highest standards, has been central to the improvements.
James Franklin-Smith, CEO of Oak Learning Partnership, praised the school’s progress: “We’re delighted to see Philips achieving these results. The journey they’ve been on shows what’s possible when schools are empowered with the right support and shared purpose. Inclusion sits at the heart of who we are, and Philips has truly embraced that.”