The glowing report was warmly received by headteacher Mr Stuart Smith who said he was delighted "Ofsted had recognised the endeavours of everyone involved in establishing Burnley Schools' Sixth Form".

Inspectors were especially impressed with the personal development and well-being of students and deemed some aspects of the school "outstanding".



The report says: "The challenge facing the school is to raise standards further and establish a pattern of high attainment over time. It is strongly placed to do this because it has demonstrated the capacity to manage change well and achieve a great deal in a short time.

"Good foundations have been laid for the future. The school's capacity to raise the bar and improve further is excellent."

The sixth form centre, in Barden Lane, is one of the first new buildings in the multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future scheme to come into operation and will be up-and-running by September.

Mr Smith added: "This is a real boost for everyone involved in the Building Schools for the Future programme. Local people should be reassured of the bright future secondary and post-compulsory education will provide for young people in Burnley and Pendle."

Don't miss Friday's Express for more on this story - with comments from the Ofsted inspectors, headteacher and students.