TWO Burnley and Pendle schools branded as 'failing' by Ofsted inspectors, today bounced back to re-take control of their own futures.

Mansfield High, Pendle's biggest school and the 360-pupil Todmorden Road primary, in Burnley, have had 'special measures' orders lifted after new inspections found they have both been brought back to acceptable standards.

The 1,100-pupil Mansfield was placed in special measures following an Ofsted visit in August 1998, at a time when the school was at the centre of a major police inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement and headmaster Ernest Pickup had been told by education bosses to stay away from the Brierfield school.

Mansfield had earlier been stripped of its prestigious Technology College status and education bosses had seized control of the school's finances.

Mr Pickup, 59, of Whalley Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn, the school's business manager Peter Edward Cowell-Smith, 43, of Skipton and Penwortham businessman George Brewin, have been charged with conspiracy to defraud and await trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Todmorden Road primary was the first Burnley school to be placed in 'special measures' 20 months ago, when an Ofsted team ordered a 20-point Action Plan to bring it up to standard after ruling its weaknesses outweighed its strengths and it did not have the means to improve without help. A special Lancashire Education Authority adviser was brought in to 'work intensively' with teaching staff to bring about urgent improvements.

And headmaster of three years Philip Morton, left soon afterwards, later revealing he had been 'encouraged' to take early retirement.

Today, it was announced both schools have been released from special measures after new Ofsted inspections revealed major progress.

The report on Mansfierld, issued by Ofsted today, came after the school achieved its best GCSE results in its 60-year history. Inspectors found the school now provides satisfactory value for money, with the quality of teaching and the response of pupils satisfactory or better in nine out of 10 lessons.

There is praise for associate headmaster Peter Dixon, who, say the inspectors, gives a clear sense of direction to all staff. The governing body was well organised, well informed and effective in monitoring the work of the school, they add.

The report shows remaining weaknesses and inspectors have identified six key areas for improvement.

The Todmorden Road report has not yet been officially issued, but a Lancashire County Education spokesman today confirmed that special measures have been lifted at the Burnley primary.

It is understood inspectors praised the improvement in the quality of teaching and complimented the behaviour of pupils and the management of the school, now led by new headteacher Kendra Allen, a former head in Shawforth, Rossendale.

The inspection team called on the school to address four key issues -- all of them involving continued improvement in areas where progress had already been made.

Both schools now have to compile action plans for Ofsted, stating how they will address the key points. Both were closed today for half-term holidays and no-one was available for comment.