Stockport Independent Issue 204

JUNE 2026 6 ENTHUSIASTIC pupils are proud to belong to Knutsford Academy, a new report has found. A new style Ofsted inspection was car- ried out in March and the findings have just been published. The Bexton Road school is delighted to have gained four strong stand- ard judgements. Achievement, attendance and behav- iour, curriculum and teaching and inclusion received high acclaim in the new framework. Lead inspector Amanda Dowling and a team of five inspectors spoke to the headteacher, school andtrust leadersand governors during their assessment. In the report, inspectors said: “The school environment is calm and condu- cive to learning. “Pupils display high levels of respect, tolerance and cooperation. “In lessons, pupils engage with enthu- siasm and focus on their learning, asking meaningful and relevant questions. “Pupils have a clear sense of belonging to the school, and they benefit from nur- turing pastoral care. “Pupils develop a deep body of knowl- edge across all subjects that supports their high achievement. “Pupils formrespectful, caring relation- ships with each other and the adults that work with them. This ensures that pupils feel safe and listened to.” Teachers were commended for the support and confidence they give pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to gain excellent examresults. Inspectors said: “This has consist- ently led to high levels of attainment in national examinations that often exceed the average for all pupils nationally. “Disadvantaged pupils attain as highly as their non-disadvantagedpeers nation- ally in English andmathematics. “Pupils leave the school, whether at 16 or 18, with a wide range of qualifications that support them very well into ambi- tious next steps in education, training or employment.” The dedication and commitment of staff toensureeverypupil performsat the highest level was highlighted. The report said: “Leaders have high standards and want the very best for pupils. Increasingly, this vision is one that is shared and understood by governors, staff and leaders at all levels.” WILMSLOW Street Fest, the town’s iconic free- to-attend celebration of music, entertainment and global street food, is back for 2026. This year, each date will come with its own theme, transforming Bank Square into a series of immersive experiences the whole community will enjoy. The family-friendly festival will return on Friday 24 July and Friday 4 September, run- ning from 5pm – 9pm. Each date promises incredible live entertainment, mouth-water- ing street food and a full-on festival atmosphere. July 24 – Caribbean Car- nival: Transport yourself to the islands with steel drum bands, vibrant Caribbean rhythms and colourful festi- val décor which will bring the tropics to Wilmslow. September 4 – Circus & Cabaret Spectacular: Step under the big top with caba- ret-style music, a brass band and circus-inspired perfor- mances, creating a theatrical, dazzling street party. Each date will also show- case a hand-picked selec- tion of street food vendors, offering global cuisine from sizzling Asian street eats to fresh Mediterranean delights, perfectly complementing the themed entertainment. Fast becoming one of the most anticipated events in Wilmslow’s calendar, Street Fest unites residents, visi- tors and local businesses in a lively, welcoming celebration of community. Organised by Wilmslow’s Way Better, in col- laboration with The Market Co and funded through the Wilmslow BID, the event is part of a programme designed to bring the town centre to life, drive footfall to local businesses and create experi- ences that people cannot wait to return to. Lisa Russett, Wilmslow BID Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Wilmslow Street Fest back in 2026 with a brand-new twist. Each date has its own theme, from a Wild West evening in May to a Caribbean celebration in July and a circus cabaret in September. It’s not just about food and music anymore; it’s a full-on vibe, an immersive experience for everyone in the community. “Street Fest is a chance to try amazing food, enjoy live performances and soak up incredible atmospheres. Entry is free, just bring your friends, family and let Bank Square do the rest.” Don’t miss the chance to experience Wilmslow Street Fest in 2026, it will be dates nights of unforgettable enter- tainment, flavours, and com- munity spirit. This is a free event with no booking necessary. A GROUP of volunteers has transformed Northwich Sta- tion with new green areas. The Friends of Northwich Sta- tion recently installed three large planters at the station, fulfilling a long-standing goal to enhance its environment. The planters, made from pres- sure-treated timber and designed for durability and water conser- vation, were crafted by Calum Taylor from Grozone. The project was funded by the Cheshire Community Founda- tion, which also supports other community projects. The Friends of Northwich Sta- tion expressed their gratitude to Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and Northern Trains Ltd for their financial and gen- eral support. Friends chairman Simon Bar- ber, said: “The station Friends are volunteers who give their time and energy to make our station into a more attractive and welcoming gateway to the town, and a more interesting place to wait for a train. “I am delighted that, with a lot of support from local bodies, we have been able to transform the appearance of the station.” The Northwich Rotary club also played a significant role, con- tributing funds and manpower to the project. Two Rotarians, who are part of the Friends group, regularly par- ticipate in litter-picking activities to keep the station clean. Another Rotarian, Rupert Adams, offered advice on a plant- ing scheme that would be attrac- tive to both human visitors and pollinators like butterflies. Northwich Town Council also played a crucial role in the pro- ject’s success. Cllr Andy Kent, who repre- sents the town council in the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Partnership, worked closely with officers to ensure the project’s timely com- pletion for summer. In Northwich, the council is committed to supporting biodi- versity, working closely with the charity Butterfly Conservation and Northwich BID. The station’s new green areas will complement other nature- friendly spaces across the town, involving more than 20 local pri- mary and special schools. The town’s summer planting and floral routes for insects will be boosted, with wildflower areas in places like Verdin Park and the cemetery. The aim is to create a more vibrant environment for residents and a habitat and food source for wildlife. The Friends of Northwich Station’s recent efforts are part of a broader initiative to make the town more appealing and nature-friendly. ICONIC STREET FEST IS BACK Free golf lessons to help wellbeing Station transformed with new green areas Northwich Station has been brightened up by volunteers who installed three large planters (Image: Northwich Town Council) Ofsted praise for Academy TRAFFORD residents can now sign up for a limited number of free golf lessons as part of a newmental wellbeing initiative launching this month at Altrincham Golf Course andDriving Range. The programme, called mentalitee, was founded by local golfer Owen Coombes, who drew on his own expe- rience of anxiety and depression after a difficult period in 2023 led him to redis- cover the calming effects of time spent at the driving range. “I found that simply hitting golf balls in a calm, outdoor setting had a posi- tive effect on my mental wellbeing,” said Owen, who has been playing golf since childhood.“I began to see how the same approach could help others.” The not-for-profit company runs small group sessions of up to four people, led by a qualified instructor. Participants have their own space and are under no pressure to interact – the focus is on the activity itself, at their own pace. Subsidised follow-up visits and online guidance are also available to help peo- ple continue beyond the initial sessions. Owen is clear that the scheme isn’t about recruiting new club members. “It’s about getting outdoors, doing some- thing simple and taking a bit of time for yourself,” he said. “It can also open the door to doing more or connecting with others, if andwhen people feel ready.” The pilot is backed by Trafford Council, TraffordLeisureand local partners aspart ofthecouncil’swiderworkonhealthyand independent living. It has already been trialled on a small scale, with this phase aimed at reaching more residents and refining how it can be rolled out further. Eve Parker, the council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “Supporting residents to livehealthyandindependentlivesisakey priority for Trafford, and initiatives like mentalitee show how physical activity can play ameaningful role inwellbeing. “What is especially positive about this programme is its focus on accessibility creating opportunities for people who might not usually take part in golf to get active inaway that feelsmanageableand welcoming. We are pleased to support this pilot as part of our wider work with partners to help people move more and stay well.” Residents interested in taking part can register at mentalitee.co.uk