A PAIR of ‘inadequate’ schools have been praised after their latest follow-up Ofsted inspections.

Fearns Community Sports College in Bacup and Shuttleworth College in Padiham were said to be making ‘reasonable progress’ after being visited last month.

Fearns, which was given the education watchdog’s lowest rating in June, 2014, has been praised in a string of inspections over the last 12 month while Shuttleworth College was graded as ‘inadequate’ in October last year.

Shirley Gornall, who led the inspection team at Fearns, said: “The college’s data indicate that the proportion of students achieving five good GCSE qualifications, including English and mathematics, is likely to rise in 2015.

Although attainment levels are rising, the proportions of students making expected progress in English and mathematics remain lower than those found nationally because the college has not been able to compensate fully for the legacy of underachievement which has been evident over time.

“The college is optimistic that the achievement of students currently in the college is improving due to better teaching, well-targeted support and the more consistent adherence by staff to college policies.”

Terry Holland, who inspected Shuttleworth College, said: “The headteacher and the restructured senior leadership team continue to have a very clear view of what needs to be done to improve learning at the school and to address the points for improvement.

“By September, 2015, 19 staff will have left the school and 18 new permanent staff will be in post.

“The overall quality of teaching has improved substantially.

“The school is making reasonable progress towards the removal of the serious weaknesses designation.”

Helen Stead, headteacher at Fearns, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the report and it reflects the hard work that the staff, pupils, parents and governors have put in over recent months.”

Shuttleworth College headteacher Ruth England said: “We are pleased with the report.

“There are still areas to address but what we started to implement in September is now having an impact. We are really excited about the future.”