INSPECTORS have praised progress at a Blackburn college but say there is work still to be done.

Ofsted officials deemed Our Lady and St John Catholic College in North Road to require improvement following visits in 2015 and 2017.

The latest inspection, which was carried out last month, has found things have improved but inspectors say more progress is needed for the college to be judged good overall.

Lead inspector Erica Sharman said: “Leaders’ work is making a positive difference at the school. They want the best for the pupils. Leaders and teachers have reviewed the curriculum in a number of subjects to help pupils achieve better than they have in the past.

“Even so, there is more work needed in some subjects. Pupils have not achieved well in English because the curriculum has not been good enough. In key stage 3, pupils sometimes struggle because they are not given enough time to learn and remember new knowledge.”

Following the visit, the school has been judged good for behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

But quality of education and overall effectiveness remains at requires improvement.

Ms Sharman added: "Leaders, including governors, have taken effective action to improve the school since the previous inspection.

"In particular, they have made sure that pupils behave well and come to school regularly.

"The groundwork for the school to improve further has been completed.

"Still, this work is taking time to make a difference to examination results at the end of Year 11.

"These remain below the national average in many subjects."

During the inspection, a four-strong team from Ofsted focused on mathematics, geography, English and physical education.

Inspectors met with subject leaders, visited lessons, spoke with pupils, met with teaching staff and looked at pupils’ work.

In May, it was reported Ofsted officials told school bosses it was now on the right track to being judged good.

A monitoring visit was carried out in April to check on progress.

In a letter to headteacher Peter Tite, reporting inspector Will Smith said: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section five inspection in order for the school to become good."