A PENDLE 'superschool' has received an encouraging first inspection report from education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors said that Pendle Vale, created out of the ashes of the old Walton High School in August 2006, provides 'a satisfactory quality of education with some good features' at their Oxford Road site.

Headteacher Steven Wilson is singled out for praise for his strong leadership' and governors, led by chairman John David, were lauded for support, and challenging the management team.

Leading inspector Jean Kendall says in the report: "Teachers and support staff are enthusiastically embracing professional development and are sharing good practice to promote a strong culture for learning and raise expectations of what students can achieve. The capacity for further improvement is good."

Students are motivated and results are on a par with what should be expected, with particular progress made at Key Stage Four level.

Mrs Kendall adds: "Care, guidance and support for students are good. Effective systems are in place to monitor their personal and academic progress and provide support where it is needed."

But the school, which receive a satisfactory' rating overall, has been given a number of areas in which it can improve, including ensuring more lessons are judged good' or better in future, punctuality is improved and achievements levels raised overall.