THERE has been a ‘transformational change’ in a Padiham school which has lead to a ‘culture of reading’, an education watchdog said.

Ofsted carried out a monitoring inspection at Shuttleworth College which ‘requires improvement’.

Inspector Denah Jones praised the whole school focus on developing pupils’ literacy skills and the intensive support given to weaker leaders.

She said: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the last inspection in order to become a good school.”

She said to improve further the school needs to ‘urgently review the effectiveness of governors’ and reduce the number of pupils excluded.

Headteacher Ruth England said: “We are thrilled that inspectors have acknowledged the huge amount of progress made here at Shuttleworth.

“I am so proud of the ongoing hard work and commitment of staff and students alike.

“We are a good school and look forward to showing this formally when inspectors return early next year for a full inspection.”