A PENDLE school that was heavily criticised by Ofsted and given the lowest-possible rating has received a grading boost.

Barrowford School has been rated as ‘good’, up from ‘inadequate’, following an inspection by the education watchdog last month.

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The Rushton Street school was last rated ‘good’ in 2012, but was downgraded in 2015.

The school hit the headlines last year after being criticised for advocating an alternative disciplinary policy which includes sanction-free rules.

Inspectors have now praised the headteacher and senior leaders for having embarked on a “rigorous journey of improvement”.

Lead inspector Ian Hardman said that the school had made “significant” improvements and was “particularly strong” in its special needs provision.

He said: “Senior leaders and governors acted swiftly and successfully to eradicate the weaknesses found at the last inspection.

“Leaders complete regular checks on the quality of teaching and learning across the school.

“This has resulted in consistently strong learning for current pupils who are making good progress from their starting points.

“The curriculum is purposeful, interesting and teaches pupils lessons in life.

“It is broad and balanced and enables regular assessment of pupils’ learning.

“Consequently, pupils are well prepared for life after Barrowford.”

“Pupils who have special educational needs and disabilities, and other pupils with barriers to learning, make good progress because their needs are well met.

“This aspect of the school’s work is particularly strong.”

The school was not deemed to be ‘outstanding’ yet because the role of middle leaders was not ‘fully established’ and teachers’ performance management targets were ‘not closely aligned to whole-school improvement’.

A joint statement from headteacher Rachel Tomlinson and chair of governors Doug Metcalfe to parents said: “We are delighted with and proud of this report.

“It is an indication of just how hard our staff and governors have always worked, but particularly over the last 12 months.

“To move a school from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ in less than a year is a remarkable achievement and we are thrilled to share this with you.

“Thank you to all of our community who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us this year.

“We very much value and appreciate the trust you placed in us to keep your children at the centre of everything we do and not compromise our core values and beliefs.

“We strongly feel that this report reflects the school that we know and that your children experience every day.”