A SPECIAL school has been praised by Government watchdog Ofsted for its improvements.

Fernhurst Secondary School, Heys Lane, Blackburn, which caters for pupils with behavioural difficulties, was found to have made good progress in all areas which were identified for improvement after inspectors' visited in March 2007.

Inspectors returned last month and found behaviour and attendance are better and standards have been raised in English, with reading ages rising twice as fast as actual ages for many pupils.

Improvements have also been made in assessments, and all teaching observed was good or outstanding.

Ofsted attributed the "impressive improvement" over the last 12 months to the "highly effective leadership of the headteacher and executive headteacher"- David Cane and Lee Harris.

Mr Harris said: "This is terrific news and a clear indication for all the hard work put in by all."