End of year highlights
As another school year ends, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything our students, staff and partners have achieved together. From an Ofsted inspection to a JCQ exam centre approval, community talks, trips and a very special leavers’ meal, 2025/26 has been one of the busiest and most rewarding years so far.
Autumn term: settling in, speaking up
The year began with safety and confidence front of mind. The Fire Service visited early in the autumn term to deliver a water safety talk, helping our students understand the risks around open water, while a Dare to Aspire session introduced our young people to the idea of a growth mindset — encouraging them to see setbacks as part of learning rather than the end of the story.
In October, students headed out to the Castleshaw Centre in Saddleworth for a day of outdoor and adventure-based activity, swapping the classroom for the hills.
After the October half term, Joe Dix Foundation visited to deliver a knife crime awareness talk. Following the session, Chances Mentoring became a registered bleed kit centre, meaning the site now holds life-saving equipment and trained staff on hand in the event of a serious injury. Students also took part in an apprenticeship workshop, exploring routes into work and training beyond the classroom, and a misogyny workshop in November opened up honest conversations about respect and healthy relationships.
November also saw us welcome a material change inspection, commissioned as part of the school’s plans to grow its provision.
Spring term: recognition and reflection
Spring brought one of the proudest moments of the year. Our football tournament regulars were praised for their good behaviour at the monthly tournament — a small but telling sign of the discipline and sportsmanship our young people show week in, week out.
February saw a second trip to Castleshaw, giving students another chance to build teamwork and resilience outdoors, before March brought a run of important conversations: Show Racism the Red Card delivered a session challenging discrimination in football and beyond, and students took part in a mental health awareness session, supporting an open and honest culture around wellbeing.
The term’s biggest milestone came with Chances Mentoring’s first full Ofsted inspection. Inspectors awarded the school a ‘Strong Standard’ for inclusion and rated achievement, behaviour and leadership at the ‘Expected Standard’, while confirming that safeguarding requirements were met. The report praised staff for acting as calm and positive role models for children who often arrive having missed significant periods of education.
Headteacher Bethany Peak said: “We are incredibly proud of our first full Ofsted report. Achieving a ‘Strong Standard’ for inclusion confirms that our mission to change the educational narrative for our young people is effective. Our focus remains on providing a stable, respectful and adapted curriculum that meets every student’s individual needs.”
Summer term: qualifications, transitions and new ground
April brought another landmark: Chances Mentoring became a fully qualified exam centre, achieving JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) approval. The accreditation confirms that the school meets national standards for the security, delivery and administration of exams, giving students confidence that their qualifications carry full national recognition.
Proprietor Callum Siddall said: “Our students often come to us needing a fresh start and they deserve an exam environment that meets the highest standards. This approval proves to our young people, their families and our partners that we deliver when it matters most.”
The summer term also saw students visit Oldham College to explore its Esports Pathway, giving them a first-hand look at a fast-growing industry and the qualifications and careers it can lead to.
June brought a highlight of a different kind, as our Year 11 leavers were treated to a celebratory meal to mark the end of their time at Chances Mentoring and send them off in style ahead of their next steps.
The year closed with an exciting development for the school itself: in July, we announced that we would be expanding our site and capacity ready for the year ahead!
A constant throughout the year
Alongside all of the above, Oldham Youth Service has continued to work with us throughout 2025/26, running regular interventions including a girls’ group, giving students a consistent source of support beyond the classroom all year round.
Looking ahead
From safeguarding milestones to national accreditation, community partnerships to a well-earned send-off for our leavers, 2025/26 has shown what’s possible when students, staff and partner organisations work together. We’re proud of everything our students have achieved this year, and we’re looking forward to building on it in 2026/27.