PUPILS at a school in special measures are now benefiting from high-quality teaching, the Government's education watchdog has found.

Smithills School was classed as a failing school late last year, but Ofsted has found that it is turning itself around with 'leaders and managers taking effective action towards the removal of special measures'.

The school was subject to its second monitoring inspection which found that leadership of teaching and learning was strong and pupils are said to demonstrate 'very positive attitudes to learning'.

The report stated: "Year 11 pupils commented on how much improved quality of teaching is making a difference to their learning."

Teachers are said to have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and pupils were said to have made rapid progress before their summer exams, meaning the school has met the standards outlined by the Government

At the start of the new academic year, the school appointed new heads of maths and English and six new teachers have also started at the school.

The interim headteacher Mike Sidebottom was singled out for praise and said to lead a 'very strong team spirit throughout the school'.

Ofsted stated: "Year 11 pupils who spoke with an inspector are in no doubt that the interim principal is responsible for what they describe as the recent ‘massive improvements’ in the school. They feel that he genuinely cares about them and wants the best for them. They welcome the stricter rules he has introduced relating to uniform and equipment, which have contributed to more positive attitudes to learning.

"Pupils in other year groups who spoke with inspectors also expressed very positive views about the quality of teaching and behaviour in their school."

Year 11 pupils are reported by Ofsted as making good progress since September.

Mr Sidebottom said: "We are absolutely delighted with the feedback from the recent Monitoring Inspection Report.

"It shows the significant progress Smithills School has made in a relatively short period of time.

"We are particularly thrilled with the wonderful comments about teaching and learning, outcomes for pupils and leadership and management which are due to the hard work and dedication of students, parents and staff.

"We will continue our programme of improvement on our journey to good and beyond."