A SCHOOL is making good progress towards having its "requires improvement" tag lifted.

Harper Green School in Farnworth is on the right track to becoming a good school, according to the Government's education watchdog.

Ofsted found that Harper Green was still in need of improvement when inspectors visited in October last year, after giving that verdict two years previously.

But following a monitoring visit, inspectors said senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement.

Inspector Shirley Gornall wrote in a letter to executive headteacher Paul Roach: "You know that outcomes need to rise rapidly and this is your unequivocal focus."

She added: "The school's mantra ''Inspire. Believe. Achieve' has been given new lease of life through a well-designed teaching and learning policy that gives staff clear guidance on your expectations and is backed up by timely support and training to make your raise aspirations achievable."

Ofsted found that there is "now a sense of great pride in the increased progress pupils are making."

It added that a "significant strength" at the school is its approach to teaching and behaviour of pupils was said to continue to be good.

The proportion of pupils who are persistently absent from school has reduced and overall attendance is rising.

Ms Gornall said: "Your significant success has been in building a cohesive team of enthusiastic leaders who believe that only the best is good enough for your pupils.

"They are committed to your vision, and have a refreshing optimism and drive."

Harper Green School now has a partnership with nearby Mount St Joseph School, a national support school which is led by Mr Road, and the local authority is said to be making a "positive contribution" to the school's improvement.

Michelle Jefferies, director of resources at Harper Green School, said: "We are delighted at the progression the school is making.

"The staff and students are working relentlessly to ensure all students achieve their potential and this has been reflected in the monitoring visit."