NO decision has been taken on converting Darwen Vale High to a semi-independent academy.

The school, rated ‘inadequate’ this summer, was visited by Department of Education (DfE) officials last month.

They discussed with senior staff and governors the possibility of academy status, free of Blackburn with Darwen Council control.

They also examined improvements made since the Ofsted inspectors’ report.

Borough education boss Dave Harling said: “Representatives of the DfE’s Underperforming Schools and Academy Broker division visited Darwen Vale in October to explore the ‘presumed’ conversion of Darwen Vale as a consequence of its inadequate judgement.

“No decision has yet been made on the conversion and any proposal would be subject to consultation with the governing body or potential sponsor.”

Simon Jones, from Blackburn with Darwen NUT, said: “Forcing it to become an academy is just the wrong answer.”