EDUCATION chiefs believe a Bolton school will be crossed off the Government's list of failing schools in the nick of time.

They say St Bernard's at Ladybridge will escape closure because Government inspectors are set to accept that the school has been brought up to standard.

Yesterday the Government announced a crackdown which could see schools like St Bernard's, failed by Ofsted in January 1996, being closed or forced to make a "fresh start".

From September local councils will be given just two years to turn around newly-named crisis schools.

Education Secretary Blunkett said of the new deadlines: "These are tough messages, but difficult situations demand tough solutions.

"Persistent delay in improvement damages the life chances of the youngsters involved."

But education chiefs are certain St Bernard's, which has required "special measures" for the past two years, will be safe from closure under the new regime.

They believe the school has made enough progress to bring it out of the Ofsted fail zone by September.

An LEA spokesman said : "The school has brought about improvements which are recognised by HMI.

"They say progress on most fronts is satisfactory and the school is well on the way to recovery. We have taken drastic action and it would be a very odd thing to close a school which is improving."

Major changes were made at St Bernard's, including the appointment of a new head, after Ofsted listed it as a failing school despite excellent academic results.

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