A HIGH school noted in an inspectors' report for not having a sports hall is pursuing private finance and a lottery bid for a £1m new building.

Ivy Bank High School, Burnley, was described as "improving" and having "many strengths" by a team of inspectors from Ofsted.

They praised the quality of leadership and educational direction, said it had "hard-working staff, clear policies and procedures, good pastoral arrangements, a positive ethos and a caring and supportive environment."

But it has increased in pupil numbers over recent years and can only accommodate a third of pupils in the dining hall, which means three sittings for lunch which affects lesson times.

Inspectors found learning resources and accommodation were unsatisfactory, the library provision modest and book provision was poor.

Pupils often had below-average ability on entering the school but the GCSE results were improving at a faster rate than the national average. The number gaining five or more A-C grades was 32 per cent in 1996 compared to national averages of 42.6 per cent. Attainment in subjects was varied with progress generally satisfactory at key stage three, but slowing down in key stage four.

teaching was sound with four out of 10 lessons being good, but the most able pupils were not challenged sufficiently in all subjects.

Inspectors said: "In a few weaker lessons, teachers' expectations are low, poor use is made of time, and narrow and unsuitable teaching approaches do not match precisely the needs or capabilities of pupils."

The curriculum is praised for being broadly balanced and efficiently planned and head teacher Stephen Ball provides "perceptive and effective leadership." Extra curricular activities are described as "impressive."

Governors and management were given 12 points for action, including raising standards and introducing a daily act of collective worship.

Mr Ball said: "Governors have already agreed to increase the allocation to the library and we are pursuing a private finance initiative for a sports hall."

He said he was pleased with the inspectors' description of the school.

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