Answers to common questions about the Altus Education Partnership, our academies, admissions, vacancies, and how to get in touch. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.

 

About the Trust

What is the Altus Education Partnership? 

The Altus Education Partnership is a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, established in April 2017. It brings together schools and colleges to raise academic achievement through shared expertise, leadership and resources.

Which schools and colleges are part of the Altus Education Partnership?

The Altus Education Partnership currently includes Rochdale Sixth Form College (founding member, 2017), Edgar Wood Academy (joined 2019), Kingsway Park High School (joined 2022, rated 'Good' by Ofsted), Bamford Academy (joined 2023, rated 'Good' by Ofsted), and Caldershaw Primary School (joined 1st July 2025, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted).

Who leads the Altus Education Partnership?

The Altus Education Partnership is led by CEO Richard Ronksley, supported by a Board of Trustees and local governing bodies at each academy. Meet our team.

Where is the Altus Education Partnership based?

The Altus Education Partnership's central office is at Suite F4, No.2 The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AE. Get directions.

Is the Altus Education Partnership a charity?

Yes. The Altus Education Partnership is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number 10578239).

 

Our Academies and Ofsted

Is Rochdale Sixth Form College outstanding?

Yes. Rochdale Sixth Form College was awarded outstanding status by Ofsted in 2013, and again in 2022, and has developed a national reputation for excellence, having been used in Ofsted case studies for sharing best practice.

When did Edgar Wood Academy join the Altus Education Partnership?

Edgar Wood Academy joined in 2019, when the Trust was successful in its application to open the school as a new free school serving the local community in Middleton and Heywood.

What was the outcome of Edgar Wood Academy's most recent Ofsted inspection?

Edgar Wood Academy was inspected by Ofsted on 2 June 2026 under the renewed inspection framework. The school met the expected standard in all six areas assessed, and safeguarding was found to be met. [Read the full Ofsted news story].

Why don't Ofsted reports say 'Good' or 'Outstanding' any more?

Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, in place since November 2025, no longer gives schools a single overall word grade. Instead, schools are assessed across six separate areas on a five-point scale, with safeguarding judged separately as 'Met' or 'Not met'. Read our full explainer on the Ofsted changes.

Is Altus Education Partnership committed to Ofsted standards across all its academies?

Yes. Our Strategic Plan 2023-26 sets out a clear commitment to ensuring that all academies in the partnership are judged at least Good by Ofsted.

 

Admissions and Vacancies

How do I apply for a place at a school in the Altus Education Partnership?

Admissions for each academy are handled through Rochdale Council's parent portal, or directly with the relevant school for sixth form and college places. Each academy's own page on this site links to its specific admissions process.

Does the Altus Education Partnership have job vacancies?

Yes. Current teaching and support staff vacancies across all Altus Education Partnership academies in Rochdale are listed on our Vacancies page and refreshed regularly, alongside general information on working for the Trust.

 

Joining Altus (for schools and governors)

How can a school join the Altus Education Partnership?

Schools and governing bodies interested in converting to academy status or joining an established Multi Academy Trust can contact the Altus Education Partnership directly to discuss growth and partnership opportunities. The Trust is actively growing and welcomes conversations with schools across Rochdale and Greater Manchester.

How does Altus Education Partnership approach growth?

Growth is evolutionary rather than target-driven — Altus Education Partnership expands based on local education need and its capacity to support a new academy well, not by pursuing a fixed number of schools. Schools considering joining may first enter a 12-month Trust Partnership Agreement before making a final decision. Read more in our Strategic Plan 2023-26.

 

Our Strategic Plan

What are Altus Education Partnership's strategic priorities?

The Strategic Plan 2023-26 sets out five priorities: delivering high-quality education for every student; recruiting, retaining and developing great people; contributing to community and regeneration across the borough of Rochdale; running a financially sustainable Trust; and committing to environmental sustainability.