A SCHOOL is on track to turn around its fortunes after making progress towards having its failing tag lifted.

UTC Bolton was placed in special measures in April by Ofsted, which found it inadequate in all areas and stated the school was ‘failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education’.

The Government’s education watchdog has now released the findings of its ‘monitoring report’ which reported standards are on the up at the school, which educates pupils and students aged 14-19-years-old.

Acting principal Liam McDaid was singled out for praise.

The school is being run by a department for education appointed interim management committee, which was said to be ‘very supportive of the changes’ made by Mr McDaid.

Inspector Ahmed Marikar reported: “Leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.”

He added: “The acting principal has provided much-needed stability to the college and has developed a clear vision for improvement.

“Staff say that morale has improved and that they are well supported. One teacher commented: ‘The acting principal is passionate for the college and very clear about what needs to happen.

“We are a lot happier and everyone wants to do better.’”

Quality of teaching was described as improving, with teachers receiving support and development if needed. Ofsted found that the school’s first cohort to sit their GCSE exams achieved above the national average for the number achieving a grade 4 or better in English and maths and that ‘current assessment information suggests that pupils are making better progress than in the previous year’.

Mr Marikar said: “Leaders have made a positive start in addressing the areas identified as needing improvement in the previous inspection. The action plan provides a clear response to the areas for improvement.”

Safeguarding of pupils was said to be effective.

The inspector added: “The acting principal has developed and communicated clear expectation for all leaders and teachers.”

Mr McDaid said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised the rapid improvements that have been made since our last inspection.

“I am particularly pleased with the acknowledgement of our effective safeguarding procedures. My team and I will continue to make and sustain the appropriate changes in order to provide the highest quality of education for our students at UTC Bolton.”

Governors are said to be looking into the possibility of joining a multi-academy trust.