7:20pm Thursday 3rd April 2008
By Deborah Lewis
THE head of Burnley Schools' Sixth Form said the future is bright under Building Schools for the Future (BSF) after a glowing report from Ofsted.
Government inspectors have rated the Heald Road school good with outstanding features.
The report is the best yet given by Ofsted to the BSF schools - the sixth form was created in September 2006 along with five new "superschools" in Burnley, one in Nelson and one in Brierfield.
Lancashire County Council's controversial £250million BSF scheme has repeatedly come under fire, and three schools have been criticised by Ofsted: Hameldon Community College was placed in special measures in February 2007, and has recently been joined by Shuttleworth College, while Unity College was given a "notice to improve" in November.
But last month the scheme received a boost with a positive report for Sir John Thursby Community College, followed by a "satisfactory and improving" rating for Marsden Community College, and Pendle Vale College was found to be "satisfactory with good features" in November.
Mr Smith said: "We're delighted.
"This is a real boost for everyone involved in BSF. Local people should be reassured of the bright future that secondary and post-compulsory education will provide for young people in Burnley and Pendle."
Amongst the areas that come in for particular praise at Burnley Schools' Sixth Form are "exemplary care and support" for students and their subsequent "outstanding" personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors emphasise the school's "harmonious community", which is "free from any form of intimidation or racial tension."
Teaching and learning are good, as is the curriculum, which well supports students with learning difficulties and disabilities, Ofsted said.
Inspectors said this resulted in good progress and achievement, with the number of students gaining A or B grades at A level higher than expected, and a 100 per cent pass rate for nearly all subjects.
The school's commitment to cultural diversity is lauded by inspectors, who give particular credit to Terry Murnane, community faith co-ordinator at the adjacent Burnley and Pendle Faith Centre, for establishing strong links with the community.
The report said: "One student commented that 'There is an amazing range of cultures and traditions; we learn loads off each other'. They say that racial intolerance is non-existent."
"Morale is high" throughout thanks to the leadership of headteacher Stuart Smith and guidance from governors.
Inspectors said the school's capacity to improve further is "excellent", as it is set to move to a purpose built campus in September.
Letters will go out to parents and students about the success tomorrow.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.burnleycitizen.co.uk