STUDENT numbers need to increase and standards must be raised to ensure the future of Bolton Wanderers Free School, according to the Government’s education watchdog.

The 16-19-year-old academy has 90 learners on its books — less than half of the target linked to the academy's funding allocation.

The recommended number of students in the first year was 200.

But Ofsted found that an “intensive recruitment drive" has seen an increase in applications and necessary improvements had been identified.

Inspectors reported: “Governors have a sound understanding of the risks currently impacting on the school's future, and they recognise its vulnerability."

The report added: "Governors, the principal and managers are fully aware that success rates and the quality of provision need to improve quickly to ensure the academy’s future sustainability.

“They have identified accurately many of the improvements that they need to make.

“The actions that they have taken in the first few months of this academic year have already led to improved attendance and behaviour.”

The report also revealed the academy's branding and location were under review — as one of a number of options to ensure the academy's future.

Toni Carr, principal, said numbers were increasing and that the school was committed to ensuring all its students were successful.

Bolton Free School, based at the football club, provides courses in sport studies and in health and social care.

A purpose-built school — planned for development opposite the stadium — will cater for 400 students.

Mrs Carr said: “A new school will often take time to establish itself in the community, it is the case that the longer a school is open the more likely it is to fill its places.

“Recruitment this year for September 2016 cohort is very positive and much more healthy as the school is becoming more known in the community, with over 600 applications.

“It is not unusual for a school to have one or more spare places — only 20 per cent of all state schools are entirely full.”

She added that the current plan was to build the new school between Bolton Arena and Horwich Police Station to open next year.

Mrs Carr said: “The Governors and staff at the school are all committed to ensure success for each and every student.

“We are also working closely with the University of Bolton to strengthen our offering to students even further.”

Other findings by Ofsted included that the students follow courses which improved their personal and social skills, as well as preparing them for work and standards of behaviour and attitudes to learning were good.

Inspectors also found that teaching and learning is not challenging enough for students.

Students, however, have praised the academy which opened in 2014.

Wilson Rosa, aged 18 said: "I like coming here because it has everything I wanted.

“The staff are good and really look after me, I'm going to university in September.”

Denise Luczka, a parent of a student, said: "After a disappointing post 16 experience in a traditional mainstream setting, my son has had a positive educational experience at BWFS.

“The learning and pastoral support have been tremendous and the positive outcome for him is that, he has had four conditional offers into Higher Education when he finishes his course this summer.”