A MULTI-MILLION pound government flagship school which two years ago was deemed as "failing" is now providing a good education to its pupils.

Bolton UTC has been lifted out of special measures after Ofsted found it was good in all areas following a recent visit.

Inspectors found that the leadership team and staff had "overseen rapid improvements in every aspect of the college" and all pupils were now making good progress.

The Ofsted report marks a huge milestone for the technical college which in 2017 was heavily criticised in a damning report for "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education".

Liam McDaid, acting principal, said the school was now working towards achieving outstanding.

He said: "My team and I are thrilled that the inspectors agreed with our own self-evaluations and we were graded as ‘good’ across all areas.

"We are committed to STEM education and our students were given the opportunity to demonstrate to inspectors, their experience in this area."

Ofsted's findings included teaching and learning has improved so now all children and students make good progress, and are well supported.

Pupils are said to also enjoy using specialist facilities, particularly the dental, medical and robotics engineering equipment.

Inspectors reported that "morale is high and staff feel encouraged and valued". They also found that the vast majority of parents who completed the Ofsted online questionnaire would "recommend" the college to others and that pupils take pride in their work and "wear their uniforms proudly".

Bolton UTC was described as a "welcoming and caring community".

Inspectors reported: "Pupils who spoke with inspectors say that teaching is much better than before. They value the extra support that they receive to practise for their examinations in after college sessions."

The £10 million school was opened in 2015 for 14 to 19-years-olds and specialised in health sciences and engineering.

Mr McDaid added: "The report gave positive affirmation to leadership and management, the progress students make and safeguarding as particular strengths.

“We will continue to work towards ‘outstanding’".

Chairman of governors, Bill Webster said: "I cannot praise highly enough the hard work that has gone into enabling the UTC to receive such a positive Oftsed report.

"It is testament to the dedication and skill of the leaders and the staff, as well as the commitment and support of students and their families that the UTC is now classed as ‘good’ in all areas.

"We are incredibly proud of this and now plan to build on this solid foundation for the future."

Student principal Saif, who is in the sixth form working towards his A-levels in computer science, maths and chemistry, said: “I really enjoy studying here, it is smaller and a more friendly environment for students.

“We call it the UTC family and that’s what it feels like. The teachers treat us as adults and with respect and we feel like we are being listened to.”

Professor George E Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, which oversees the UTC, said: "We are delighted with this affirmation by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools.

"The UTC offers amazing opportunities to ensure its students are equipped for the working world of the future, especially in technical skills, which are in high demand."

Lord Baker, Chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust ­— which supports the school ­— said: “A jump from inadequate to good is a great achievement. It demonstrates the growing strength of the UTC movement.”