A GROUP of schools is celebrating a hat trick after all three were judged good or outstanding by inspectors.

The Orchards Federation — made up of Cherry Tree Primary School, Green Fold Special School and The Orchards Nursery School — has been given the seal of approval by Ofsted, with Cherry Tree Primary School being found to be “good with outstanding features” joining Green Fold Special School which has been judged outstanding twice since the three schools moved into their new shared accommodation.

The Orchards Nursery has also recently been found to be good.

Cherry Tree Primary School has gone from the “requires improvement” category to good in just 15 months after inspectors found that pupils “enjoy coming to school, like learning new things” and “achieve well”.

Teachers were praised for being good or outstanding.

Inspectors said: “Good teaching, strong partnership with parents and interesting activities which engaged their curiosity, all help to ensure that they make good progress.

“The headteacher, deputy headteacher and assistant headteacher, supported by committed governors and loyal, industrious staff have worked tirelessly to improve standards for pupils.”

Headteacher Jane Grecic said: “We all feel immensely proud of our schools, staff and children.

“For a single school to be judged good is fantastic — for all three of ours to be judged good or better is a truly magnificent achievement.

“I am delighted as this reflects the hard work and commitment of staff but is also important for our pupils and their parents and carers who put their faith and trust in us and who support us in all we do.”

The Orchards Federation based in Farnworth first opened its doors to pupils in January 2008 bringing the three schools together into purpose built accommodation in Highfield Road.