A SCHOOL classed as failing could be removed from local authority control and placed into the hands of an outside organisation, it has emerged.

Lever Park School in Horwich is currently in special measures after it was found to be 'failing to give its pupils and acceptable standard of education'.

Now it has been revealed that the school could become an academy — a state funded independent school — controlled by an outside organisation.

Ofsted, the government's education watchdog ruled that all areas of the school apart from from quality of the teaching — which was said to require improvement — were given the lowest grade four rating in January.

Now, following another inspection, Ofsted found that the school for students with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties was making reasonable progress towards the removal of special measures'.

The governing body has been replaced by an interim executive board and Paul Hodgkinson, head of the outstanding-rated Bolton Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) has been appointed as interim executive headteacher.

Mr Hodgkinson will remain in place until the end of the autumn term after which the future leadership of the school is unclear.

Ofsted warned that 'no time should be wasted' in appointing a new leadership team.

Inspector Nick Whittaker reported: "The leadership of Lever Park beyond the end of the autumn term is unclear.

"An academy solution and sponsorship arrangements are currently being explored by the local authority.

"No time should be wasted in confirming the long-term strategy for the school and securing Lever Park’s future leadership and governance."

The inspector praised the current team leading the school, stating: "There has been no let-up in the drive for improvement in Lever Park."

He added: "The interim executive teacher and senior leaders remain sharply focused on the areas for improvement and are resolute in their actions."

Ofsted found that the school was focused on preparing "young people for the future learning and the world of work" and the achievement of pupils was improving — although high levels of absence had a negative impact on this.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “It’s encouraging to see the progress being made by the school towards the removal of special measures.

"We will be continuing to support Lever Park on its positive journey and we are currently working with the Interim Executive Board to consider how best to create a successful and sustainable future for the school.”