AN executive principal has been appointed to an 'inadequate' school which has announced it will change its name.

Andy O'Brien, who already leads Accrington Academy, will take on the leadership of Norden High School in Rishton from September.

Norden was given the lowest-possible rating last July by Ofsted and placed into special measures.

Previous head Tim Mitchell stepped down before the Easter holiday after five years in charge.

The school, which is set to join the United Learning academy trust, will also change its name to The Hyndburn Academy.

Mr O'Brien said: "It's exciting times for everybody. I'm very happy at Accrington but I;m delighted to be working at Norden.

"It's a school that has huge potential and I have great ambition for it.

"I hope to turn it into a school that everybody in the community can be proud of.

"I'm not focusing on Ofsted at the moment, just making the school the best it can be."

A head of school will also be appointed for Norden and Accrington Academy with the successful candidate starting in September and working alongside Mr O’Brien.

Derek Davies, regional director of northern academies at United Learning, said: "This will help to build the close working relationship between the two schools, and across our growing North West cluster, enabling a wider range of professional and enrichment opportunities for staff and students at each school.

"Having led Accrington Academy as principal since 2011, Mr O’Brien has the experience, expertise and area knowledge to secure rapid, sustained improvement across Norden and he is ambitious for its future as The Hyndburn Academy.

"In his current role providing leadership support to Norden, Mr O’Brien will be well placed to ensure a smooth transition to academy status and provide the strong, stable leadership needed in both the short and long term."

Mr O'Brien stepped in as acting headteacher when Mr Mitchell resigned earlier this year.

Ofsted inspectors issued a scathing report last year stating the teaching at the school was ‘not good enough’ and standards in maths and a range of other subjects were too low.

Mr Mitchell hit back at the education watchdog at the time saying the report contained ‘inaccuracies’ and ‘contradicted previous external judgements that have recognised the journey of improvement the school is on’.

Inspectors also raised concerns about inconsistent assessment at the school, low attendance among disadvantaged pupils and the management of pupils’ behaviour.

Ofsted also accused governors of not holding senior leaders to account stringently enough.

It has not yet been reinspected by the education watchdog.