[clarification needed] In 2011, Irlam and Cadishead Community High School closed and several buildings were knocked down.

It has a variety of learning spaces, outdoor classrooms, a sports hall, gym and a flood-lit all-weather pitch.

There is a community centre on the school grounds where the neighbourhood management team along with staff from the health, youth, arts and park ranger services are all based.

During this period the sixth form was closed, student numbers fell, many teaching and support staff left and some walls were built to divide up the open plan spaces.

United Learning loaned Executive Principal, Frank McCarron, from their South Manchester cluster of schools to help facilitate change at the ICA.