Hameldon Community College is to remain in special measures until February 2009, but had continued to make satisfactory progress. It was the second visit by inspectors since its damning report last February, when it received one of the worst inspections ever given by Ofsted.

Six inspectors spent two days within the college and noted: "Well-conceived and targeted strategies for improving the quality of teaching and learning are in place and are beginning to take effect."

Other improvements noted included intensive monitoring of teaching and learning and positive attitudes to learning and good behaviour.
Academic guidance and support was also improving and pupils currently achieving below expected levels or grades were given extra support.

It was also noted exclusions are declining and attendance is rising at the school in Byron Street.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said headteacher Gill Broom had the support of the council and her colleagues: "The headteacher remains steadfast in her determination to raise achievement and promote a positive image of the college in the community. She has the support of her leadership team in working to instil a sense of identity and pride throughout the college.

"Hameldon Community College is now working on the third phase of its Action Plan and looks forward to meeting the inspection team in the next term to discuss its progress further.

"There will be a series of meetings in community venues to discuss issues raised in this monitoring report in the near future."