A SCHOOL deemed by Ofsted as ‘requiring improvement’ is making positive strides, according to St Helens Council.

St Cuthbert’s Catholic College for Business and Enterprise got good ratings for leadership and management and behaviour and safety of pupils, the council revealed in advance of the report being published on the Ofsted website.

The most recent visit by watchdogs is said to have highlighted concerted efforts to improve teaching with much of it being good especially in English, maths, science and physical education.

Some teaching was scored as outstanding.

In a previous inspection in 2013 the school was told it required improvement.

Senior councillors are aiming to enforce a tough new regime to drive up standards in the borough’s secondary school sector.

Headteacher Angela New said: "We know that we are a different school to the one at the last inspection and we are delighted that Ofsted have recognised this and the hard work of all the staff, governors, pupils and parents over the last 18 months to improve standards for our young people.

“We know that we are a work in progress but are confident that we are further along our journey towards good and beyond."

Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “Educational consultants have been given excellent advice and school leaders have responded well so much so that the school is now leadings its own improvement.

“This is a positive start but the mission is not yet complete. The improvements in leadership and behaviour will need to translate into improved outcomes for pupils are we are looking forward to improvement in the summer results.”