THE 'rapid' improvement by a school which had a high level of students being excluded has been hailed.

All Saints Roman Catholic High School in Rossendale has had it's rating been upgraded by Ofsted following its latest inspection.

The school, which is based in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, has been bumped up to 'good' from 'requires improvement' after the education watchdog visit last month.

The headteacher and the senior leadership team were praised by inspectors while the maths department was judged to have 'improved significantly'.

The Ofsted report noted that the level of student exclusions has been falling recently.

Brian McNally, headteacher, was said to be 'ambitious' to improve the school further and and the 'most notable' improvements were in teaching and learning, according to the report.

Mr McNally, said: "As the school enters its 56th year it is fitting that we should be judged by Ofsted as a good school.

"This is recognition of the hard work of all the community.

"It is a privilege to lead a dedicated staff, whose 'high morale' is testament to their belief in teaching as a vocation.

"We uphold a traditional academic structure with a high percentage, more than the national average, studying the separate sciences and English baccalaureate subjects.

"The pupils’ achievement is good due to the value we add relative to their starting point.

"The progress of disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is good.

"The results in English were exceptional and deserve a special mention."

The school was praised by inspectors in all areas including pupil outcomes and the personal development, behaviour and welfare of students.

It was however judged to not yet be 'outstanding' because there are 'missed opportunities' to accelerate the progress of the most-able pupils, some teachers are 'too generous' in their assessment of work and the quality of middle leadership is 'inconsistent'.

Since the school was downgraded to 'requires improvement' in October 2013, it has been praised in a follow-up inspection.

Inspector Judith Straw said: "Pupils’ achievement is good. They leave the school with GCSE results that are broadly in line with the national average and above average in English.

"This represents good progress from overall below average starting points.

"Teachers have high expectations, know their pupils well and draw on good subject knowledge to challenge and engage their pupils.

"The progress of disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is good.

"Pupils’ good behaviour adds to the calm, purposeful and positive atmosphere in school. Pupils are proud of their school.

"The vast majority of parents, pupils and staff agree that the school provides a safe environment."