A SCHOOL that was re-launched after its predecessor was branded one of the worst in the country has received a glowing Ofsted report.

Blakewater College opened in the former Queen's Park Technology College, Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, in April 2005.

Under the close scrutiny of Ofsted, Blakewater has made "excellent progress.

Insp-ectors' latest report recognises the "highly effective leadership" underpinning improvements, and credits the governors for their strong vision. It also praised the school's leaders for creating a "family atmo-sphere".

Headteacher Lee Harris was brought into to the school in April 2005 as an £85,000 "superhead" to turn it around.

The Ofsted report says: "There is a clear sense that all who work in the college are equally valued, and this helps to achieve a family atmos-phere which supports students' personal develop-ment."

Mr Harris said: "It is great to hear all these things, particularly as the students have been through hard times over the years. But we see this as just the beginning, the foundation for an even brighter future.

"We've all got a school to be proud of now, but we want to do even better."

And the head said: "In any school, success is about every group of people - the staff, students, parents and governors - working together to do well. If one group are not doing that, it can be a battle, but everybody's giving their full support."

The college is currently putting together a bid to achieve specialist status in maths and ICT.