MORE schools in Blackburn with Darwen have been rated inadequate compared to their Lancashire counterparts, it has been revealed.

Stats published by education watchdogs Ofsted show 14 per cent of the primary, secondary, pupil referral units and special schools inspected last year were given a grade four (inadequate) under the new framework.

In county council schools covering Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, just seven per cent were inadequate.

Of the 14 schools inspected in Blackburn and Darwen, seven per cent were graded outstanding, 50 per cent good and 29 per cent satisfactory.

Of the 120 inspected in Lancashire, 13 per cent were outstanding, 42 per cent good and 39 per cent satisfactory.

One in 10 North West schools was rated outstanding.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, said: “Greater involvement for senior staff in the inspection process and more inspection time in the classroom, means that the new framework is helping ensure schools are better able to understand areas in need of development.”