TWO school pupils have hit back at Ofsted inspectors who branded their East Lancashire school ‘inadequate’, claiming the report was unfair and ignored the many positive aspects of the school.

Norden High School and Sports College in Rishton was placed in special measures after inspectors raised concerns over safeguarding and claimed the teaching at the Stourton Street school was ‘not good enough’ following an inspection in May.

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But GCSE students Natasha Smallridge, 16, and Kiara Carlin, 16, who contacted the Lancashire Telegraph after reading the report, said they disagreed with many of the findings and praised the standard of teaching.

Kiara said: “We read the report and there are a lot of things we do not agree with. Having been at the school for five years, it just really does not make sense.

“There were 12 to 14 negative points and only three positive.

“They came in and looked around for a day and a half and spoke to us and other students. They asked about the school and got positive reflections, but that did not come up in the report.”

Kiara said she moved to Norden after experiencing bullying at another school.

“I felt Norden was a better environment for students. It was a lot more friendly and I knew I could ask for help from teachers. I felt I could go up to the teachers and tell them about my issues,” she said.

“For me the teaching made it easier for us to understand. I understand more now and even if I didn’t they would help explain things to you.

“There is also a new behaviour management member of staff who has made a lot of changes.”

The pair, who recently sat their GCSE exams, said the teachers went out of their way to put on extra revision sessions for pupils in the holidays.

“Even if I do not get the grades I know I had the support and did my best,” Kiara said. “There are good people in that school.”. Every individual student has always been helped no matter how big or small their issues are.”

Natasha said: “The school does not deserve ‘inadequate’. I think the inspectors decided what they were going to do before they got there.”

The Lancashire Telegraph also received a letter from an exam invigilator Tom Pearson, who has been visiting the school for 10 years. He said: “The staff are kind and caring and have a deep interest for each child to do well. In my view each child will leave well-balanced and equipped to go out into society. What more could we wish for?”

Headteacher Tim Mitchell, who previously claimed the report contained ‘inaccuracies’ and said the comments in it were ‘personal, subjective and unrepresentative’, said he has had similar responses from other pupils.

He said: “Obviously you feel very proud that some of your students and former students would be moved to be so outspoken in their support for the school.”