A SCHOOL about to become an academy has raised standards from satisfactory to good.

Witton Park High School, in Blackburn, was praised in its latest Ofsted inspection – which found the Buncer Lane school was seeing above national average progress in maths English among pupils.

Inspector Derek Davies said: “As a result of specific support and guidance, students supported by the pupil premium and known to be eligible for free school meals, do well.

“Leaders, including governors, have high expectations and are ambitious for the school and its community. As a result, there have been significant improvements in both achievement and quality of teaching.”

However inspectors said there was room for improvement, and the school would be outstanding with more consistency in teaching and better systems for behaviour checks.

The school, which moved into its state-of-the-art building in September, is waiting for the Department for Education to process its academy bid.

Teaching standards were praised, with Mr Davies adding: “The majority of teaching is good and there is outstanding practice in many subjects across all year groups. In the better lessons, there are high expectations and very positive relationships. Teachers have good subject knowledge and an astute knowledge of every student.”

Headteacher Dean Logan said: “Witton Park has the capacity to be outstanding and this is the school’s goal. We are confident about our future and the ability to serve the community.”