STUDENTS and staff at an East Lancashire school have been praised by Ofsted for improving since gaining academy status.

Accrington Academy was judged to be a ‘good’ school in its first full inspection since it opened in 2008.

It is an improvement from the ‘satisfactory’ rating it gained as Moorhead High School in 2006.

And it is a complete turnaround from 10 years ago when Moorhead was criticised by Ofsted for having ‘serious weaknesses’.

Principal Andrew Bateman, whose leadership was described in the report as ‘strong and dynamic’, has now announced his retirement, which will take place this summer.

Mr Bateman, who has been head since 2001, will work as a consultant for the Academy’s sponsor, the United Church Schools Trust.

He will be succeeded by his vice principal Andy O’Brien.

Mr Bateman said: “We are greatly encouraged by the Ofsted judgement which shows just how much progress the academy has made.

"Staff have worked incredibly hard to drive up standards and this report is testament to all the time and effort they have put in to the academy.

"It has been a privilege to lead Accrington Academy and I will miss all the students, staff and parents who have made the academy such an enjoyable place to work."