THERE were top marks for a 'divided' school when the Ofsted inspectors called.

The education watchdogs praised the high standards and attainment at Padiham Primary School. But they also highlighted the problems of the 400-pupil primary operating on a split site - divided by a busy main road - which, they said, adversely affected schooling and posed a traffic hazard for children.

They found the number of teaching areas were 'barely adequate' for the effective delivery of all lessons. But add that despite the difficulties the school copes very well.

The inspectors praise high standards at Padiham: "There is a positive ethos which reflects its commitment to high attainment, good relationships and equality of opportunity for all pupils," they say.

Teaching was satisfactory or better in the majority of lessons and the school provided good value for money in terms of standards achieved and quality of education provided. But there were negative points too, with the inspectors noting information technology attainment was well below average, problems with the school development plan and some rules over-prescriptive, inhibiting the development of independence of older pupils.

The school had no position on sex education and was therefore in breach of statutory requirements.

Headmaster John Hughes, says he is delighted with such a positive report.

He added the problems highlighted were already being addressed.

The inspectors have given him 40 days to show they are.

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