A SCHOOL ‘requires improvement’ following an inspection by Ofsted.

Darwen Vale High School was visited by Ofsted, the government department responsible for inspecting educational institutions, last month for its first inspection since it became an academy.

The school, which opened in 2012, was first assessed in 2013, when it was found to be, ‘inadequate’, the lowest grade given by Ofsted.

The school was then converted into an academy in 2014 when it became part of the Aldridge Education trust.

In the report, issued last week, inspectors highlighted ‘unstable, ineffective leadership’ when assessing the quality of teaching at the school.

The report stated: “Unstable, ineffective leadership over a period of time resulted in poor-quality teaching, an inappropriate curriculum and pupils’ poor behaviour for learning.

“Subject leaders are not fully effective in improving the quality and consistency of teaching, learning and assessment and raising pupils’ achievement.”

The report went on to say the ‘quality of teaching was improving’ and praised the staff for making pupils’ personal development and welfare a ‘high priority’.

The report said: “The principal and senior leadership team lead with drive and determination.

“They are having a positive effect on the quality of provision. Current pupils are making better progress because the quality of teaching is improving.

“Pupils’ personal development and welfare are given high priority. Strategies to develop pupils’ self-confidence and to strengthen pupils’ resilience are proving to be effective.”

Darwen Vale Principal Matthew Little, who joined the school in June, said: “The inspection was very thorough and fair, and the report is an accurate reflection of where the school has got to in its improvement journey.

“We are determined to deliver the highest standard of education for all of our students.

“The Inspectors have laid out a clear route for us becoming 'Good' and then 'Outstanding'.

“I believe that with the right people and support now in place we have a springboard to achieve that in the near future.”