A ROSSENDALE high school has made giant leaps since its last Ofsted inspection, according to a new report.

Alder Grange High School in Calder Road has been praised for raising standards over the last five years.

The report released this week said: "The school has made good improvement since the previous inspection in September when it was identified as a good school.

"All issues have been tackled effectively, standards have improved and the school has shown good progress in all aspects of its work."

Pupils in year 10 and 11 are "well above average" in music and science with pupils performance exceeding the school's targets, which were set at a higher level than those proposed by the local education authority.

Teaching in years seven to 11 was described as very good, as was the leadership and management by the headteacher and other key staff.

The report added: "The headteacher provides outstandingly good leadership. Very clear direction is given for the school's development and the determination to improve is shared by staff.

"Leadership and management of the pastoral system are very strong in supporting learning."

While most parents approached by inspectors said their children liked the school, the report stated not all felt they were kept well informed about the school's progress or felt the school worked closely with them.

Another area inspectors felt needed improvement was the school accommodation. The report said it doid not meet its needs, particularly in physical education and special educational.

Head Iain Hulland said one of the main things that haddriven the school forward was their desire to ensure each inspection report was better than the last.

He added: "The 2002 report takes some beating -- but we're already preparing to develop still further those areas that are capable of improvement, while ensuring we hold the line achieved everywhere else.

"It's quite a challenge, but one we relish and can deliver."