A SCHOOL is to complain formally to Ofsted after inspectors said it was failing to perform as well as it should.

Woodhey High School, Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, got a "notice to improve" after an inspection in October.

But the headteacher of Woodhey, Martin Braidley, has submitted a formal complaint, saying that results had improved since the last inspection in 2004 when the school was judged "very effective".

And the school has been backed by MP David Chaytor.

Notice to improve' is one step above special measures', when a school is labelled failing.

Ofsted's definition is "requiring significant improvement because they are performing significantly less well than they might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform."

Ofsted inspectors rated school "inadequate" overall, the lowest grade possible, despite saying in the report that standards were above average and that important features were good.

But the report says: "However, important aspects of students' achievement and of the leadership and management of the school are inadequate. Progress in addressing issues raised at the time of the previous inspection in 2004 and in more recent routine school improvement visits has not been systematic or effective enough.

"Significant improvement is required in relation to students' achievement and to leadership and management."

In a letter to parents, the inspectors said: "There are many good things about your school.

"However, we have given your school a Notice to Improve, which means it will be inspected again in about a year's time.

"This is because some of you are not making the progress of which we think you are capable."

Mr Braidley said: "Woodhey is a dynamic school and advice on improvement is welcome and will be acted upon.

"On behalf of myself, staff and governors I give an absolute assurance that we will work even harder to get the fair judgement the community of Ramsbottom deserves."

Mr Chaytor, MP for Bury North, said: "The head and governors have made significant improve-ments."