TEACHERS at Towneley High School in Burnley are doing a great job - but some of their older pupils are missing out because they do not bother to turn up.

OFSTED inspectors say many pupils did better in GCSE examinations than might have been thought probable as the school's intake is significantly skewed towards children not classed as 'high fliers'.

The relationships among pupils and between pupils and staff are a strength of the school.

Behaviour, particularly in lessons, is good and the vast majority of lessons are undertaken in an effective and purposeful manner.

Too many pupils, however, particularly in Years 10 and 11, miss out because they do not attend or are late turning up.

Inspector Andrew Lyons said: "Overall, the school has been working very hard, trying many strategies to improve the situation, but all partners, the school, parents, and all agencies need to work together more effectively to make an impact on the problem.

"For example, the whereabouts of some pupils is not known and the school can not contact the parents."

The inspection team said the school governors should press for more money to replace out of date books, old computers, the poor gymnasium floor and the leaky roof in the sports hall.

Headteacher David Hinks said the report recognised the great strengths of the school and the high quality of education which Towneley gives to its students.

"It could hardly be better to have it publicly acknowledged that teaching is a strength of the school and that all pupils receive the best provision possible."

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