DARWEN Aldridge Community Academy has been rated as satisfactory by education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors found the school in Redearth Road, Darwen, had some good features such as in the support, guidance and care given to students, as well as pupils’ behaviour and in the contributions they make to the school and the community.

But, despite the grade three satisfactory result, inspectors said they were still concerned about standards.

Principal Brendan Loughran said he was committed to transforming the school to reach ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings.

Lead by Inspector Jane Jones the report said: “Students' progress improved in mathematics but was inadequate again in English.

“While the academy's focus on the grade C threshold has been successful, too few students reach the highest A*/A grades in most subjects.

“The academy's most recent assessment data and results of examinations already completed indicate that results are likely to rise again in 2011.”

The 854-pupil school opened in September 2008 at the former Moorland High School site in Holden Fold.

The school and sixth moved to the new building in September, but during interim inspections concerns were raised over teaching, leadership and the sixth form.

During the full inspection earlier this year inspectors said more than half of the teaching was good or outstanding and the sixth form had improved.

In March 2010 they found that the academy provided ‘inappropriate’ advice to students and results were ‘poor’.

But the inspectors added: “Its deep commitment to providing tailor-made care, guidance and support for students makes a significant difference to their personal development and life chances.”

Principal Brendan Loughran said: “After just over two years of significant change and notable improvements, two Ofsted inspections and the logistical challenge of completing and moving into a new building, this report helps to establish future priorities and our aim is to move the school to a good or outstanding grading in the future.”