MORE than 85 per cent of schools in Lancashire are rated as good or outstanding, according to new government figures.

Based on Ofsted ratings, Lancashire – which has more schools than any other local authority – is in the top quarter in the country.

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Figures to December 2014 showed that 24 per cent of Lancashire schools were outstanding, and 62 per cent were good, compared to 20 per cent and 61 per cent respectively for England as a whole.

Lancashire’s figure for ‘requires improvement’, the category which used to be ‘satisfactory’, is five per cent lower than the rest of the country at 12 per cent, and two per cent are judged ‘inadequate’, which matches England figures.

In Blackburn with Darwen, 23 per cent of schools were found to be ‘outstanding’ while 65 per cent were ‘good’.

County councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “It’s very gratifying indeed to see that the latest statistics from the Department for Education back up what we already know – that the quality of schools in Lancashire compares favourably with the rest of the country.

“To have four per cent more ‘outstanding’ schools than the England average is no mean achievement, as outstanding ratings certainly aren’t given lightly.

“I’m genuinely proud of our schools here in Lancashire.

“We are working hard to fulfil our ambition that all our pupils attend a school which is rated as good or better.

“The vast majority of schools choose to receive their support and advisory services from the county council and I think their continued success is a tribute to the hard work and expertise of our officers.”

Since the figures were complied a number of East Lancashire schools have been inspected by Ofsted and had their ratings changed.

Pleckgate High School in Blackburn was lifted out of special measures and Pendle Primary Academy in Nelson was rated ‘good’.

Lancashire’s NUT representative Simon Jones said: “Ofsted have been continually moving the goal posts for schools so to get these figures is quite an achievement.

“Schools must be glad to get inspections out of the way the whole system needs to be reviewed.”