A school in Rawtenstall has been downgraded to ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted in its first full inspection since becoming an academy.

All Saints' Roman Catholic High School has been rated as requires improvement, after an inspection in June. It was rated as 'good' before becoming an academy in 2020.

Headteacher Francesca Lord said changes have already been implemented adding that she is “confident” that with current and planned changes” the school "will continue to improve.”

Since becoming an academy, many of the school’s procedures are new, or recently changed.

According to the report, this means the procedures “are not used consistently well across the school”.

There are issues with pupils’ behaviour at the school. While the inspector acknowledges that behaviour is improving, older pupils “do not place sufficient value on their learning”.

The report said: “The school has not supported them to develop the motivation and resilience that they need to be successful in their studies.”

Inspectors recognise that the school has taken efforts to improve attendance rates.

The report said: “Too many pupils continue to have high levels of absence from school.

“This restricts their achievement because they miss out on learning as well as the wider opportunities on offer.

According to the report, the school has worked to strengthen the curriculum to improve pupils’ learning yet “some pupils do not achieve as well as they should”.

While the curriculum is designed as “broad and balanced” some subjects are “at an early stage of development”.

The report said: “This makes it difficult for teachers to make sure that pupils learn everything that they need to know.

"This explains the variation in pupils’ achievement across subjects and year groups.”

Some pupils are said to be left with gaps in their learning due to poor checks from teachers.

The report also highlighted some positive aspects of the school. Pupils are said to “value the warm and friendly atmosphere of the school”.

Inspectors have also urged the school to further support pupils who struggle with reading.

The report said: “While younger pupils now benefit from effective support delivered by well-trained staff, this is not the case for their older peers.

“Some pupils lack sufficient reading expertise to access the curriculum. The school has not provided timely help to enable these pupils to read confidently and fluently.”

According to inspectors, the school and multi-academy trust are “united in their vision to improve the school” and has brought about changes that are having a positive impact on many aspects of the school’s work.

Children are said to benefit from strong relationships with staff who “know them well and care about their well-being”.

The report said: “Pupils show respect for the range of backgrounds and cultures found within the school community.”

Pupils' behaviour is also said to be improving.

“The school has successfully identified and tackled some of the underlying causes of poor conduct,” the report said. “This has led to a reduction in behaviour incidents.”

Pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a range of activities to develop their talents and interests.

The school has designed a programme to support pupils’ wider development and prepare them for life beyond high school.

Staff are also said to enjoy working at the school.

Ms Lord said changes have already been implemented adding that she is “confident” that with current and planned changes ”the school will continue to improve.”

“Although the overall outcome for the school is now at Requires Improvement, the report is an accurate reflection of where the school currently is and refers to the changes that have already been made since September to address legacy issues and concerns.

“It is pleasing to see this directly addressed in the report as it states ‘The school and multi-academy trust are united in their vision to improve the school. They have brought about changes that are having a positive impact on many aspects of the school’s work.’

“The opening section of the report encapsulates everything that is truly unique and special at All Saints’ as it states that ‘Pupils value the warm family atmosphere of the school’. That they ‘benefit from strong relationships with staff who know them well and care about their well-being.’

“I am confident that with the changes we have already implemented, alongside those planned, the school will continue to improve delivering results that will enable all our students to be educated spiritually, morally and intellectually.”