UNIONS have ended their dispute and called off further strike action at a troubled Darwen school.

The National Union of Teachers, NUT, and the NASUWT said they took the decision as they were ‘delighted with the progress’ being made at Darwen Vale High School, Holden Fold.

Interim headteachers John Lawson and Jean McGrath were installed following the head, Hilary Torpey’s suspension.

And, over a month, bosses said they had transformed staff moral and overhauled the behaviour policy.

The pair, who have been working closely with the governing body, unions and the council, reverted back to the disciplinary policy that was in place before Mrs Torpey took up the headship in 2010.

This included tougher controls on the use of mobile phones and a standing committee is regularly reviewing procedures.

Mr Lawson said: “The young people at Darwen Vale are very special and we are confident that there is a bright future for the school. We have smiles all round at the school.”

The dispute ends months of staff unrest that senior management were not supporting staff when dealing with unruly pupil behaviour. Staff held a one day strike on April 7 following a successful ballot.

An investigation was launched and Mrs Torpey was suspended while this was carried out.

Although the dispute has ended, the unions remain involved and committed to the investigation.

National executive member and Blackburn with Darwen representative for the NUT, Simon Jones, said: “We are delighted with the progress that has been made and are pleased to declare a formal end to this dispute."

National executive member for the NASUWT, John Girdley, said: “It’s good news that the unrest of recent weeks has been resolved and we welcome the stability that the new interim head teachers have brought to the school during what has been a difficult time.

“We hope and are confident that the school will soon recover from the recent troubles.”

Coun Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for children's services, said she was pleased the issues had been addressed to avoid further disruption.