MORE schools in East Lancashire have been rated as providing a good and outstanding education this year.

Unions and headteachers said the figures in the annual Ofsted report were a success story achieved in “difficult conditions”.

However council leaders said more still needed to be done.

Last year 74 per cent of Blackburn with Darwen primary schools were rated as good or better, and this year the figure has risen to 81 per cent. From only 50 per cent of secondary schools performing as good or better, the figure this year has soared to 68 per cent.

In Lancashire 77 per cent of secondary age pupils in Lancashire attend a school rated as good or better, up from 61 per cent last year. Primary schools have also improved from 69 to 80 per cent.

Blackburn and Lancashire NUT representative Simon Jones said: “When you consider how much stricter Ofsted has become these figures are amazing.

“I’m proud of Lancashire and Blackburn schools today.”

Rhyddings High Shool headteacher Paul Trickett said: “It is a success story. Schools in Lancashire do a really good job.”

Lancashire’s cabinet member for schools Matthew Tomlinson said: “It is testament to the hard work of everyone in the county's schools. We need to remain ambitious, however, and ensure all of the county's schools are good or outstanding."

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s member for schools Dave Harling said: “It is a striking achivement.”

The figures ranked Lancashire 69th and Blackburn with Darwen 105th out of 150 authorities.