STANDARDS are on the up at a secondary school.

Harper Green School was marked good in all but one area ­- but overall it has been found to be in need of improvement.

This means that both schools in the Leverhulme Academy Trust, the other being Rivington and Blackrod High School in Horwich, are both in the 'requires improvement' category.

Ofsted marked behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management as good, but the quality of education was said to require improvement.

School inspectors said that “pupils' achievement varies across a range of subjects”.

“A number of subject leaders are new to post. Their role is still developing. Consequently, pupils do not achieve as well in these subjects as in others. Leaders should continue to support and develop those leaders,” said Ofsted inspectors.

But inspectors stated: “Pupils are benefiting from an improved quality of education.”

Teachers were said to have high expectations of pupils and young people “enjoy coming to school”.

Inspectors said: “Staff are proud to work at the school and pupils are proud to be all things ‘Harper’.

“The trust has supported leaders well. Members of the local governing body understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school.”

English was described as a strength of the school, and investment has resulted in positive outcomes in maths and modern foreign languages.

Pupils’ personal development was praised, with the school council leading initiatives to improve the lives of those less fortunate at home and abroad.

Young people with additional needs are said to achieve well thanks to support.

Chairwoman of governors Anne Quigley said: “ We are extremely pleased with our overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report, particularly the ‘good’ judgements for three of the four areas.

“This is a strong reflection of the hard work of the entire school community and the improvements that have been made over the last three years. It is a report that the staff, pupils and parents should be extremely proud of. On behalf of the governors I would like to pass on a huge thank-you to the whole Harper Green community”.