A primary school has been put into special measures by government inspectors due to pupils poor results.

St John's CE Primary School in Great Harwood has been placed into special measures after Ofsted inspectors reported that there still too few pupils attaining higher levels and overall results are below the national average.

However they did find that the proportion of pupils doing well in English and maths at Key Stage 2 has improved.

The report also recognises the strengths of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage, noting that 'children settle in to the class quickly' and 'develop well to reach levels that are broadly in line with expectations on entry to Key Stage 1', even though some children start school 'with skills that are often below those expected for their age'.

Despite the news parents have remained positive and believe the school can overcome its problems.

One parents, who did not want to be named, said: "I think the school is ok and I was surprised to hear it. My lad is certainly doing alright and they seem to be doing ok to me."

Another said: "Overall I find the school is doing a decent job and I was surprised when I got the letter.

"I know in the past they have been told to improve but most of the things they were told to do they have done."

The inspectors, who visited the St John's Street school in November, acknowledged that 'the majority of pupils enjoy school and attend regularly' and that behaviour was satisfactory overall with little bullying or racism.

Although they did feel that attendance could be improved.

The report goes on to say that 'pupils are proud of their school and willingly take on positions of responsibility' and 'contribute to the wider community through fund-raising and, for example, through the links with the church and through the school choir'.

Headteacher Darren Mussell is confident the school can turn around and improve results.

He said: "We have had significant staffing issues over the last three years, and this has caused disruption to learning.

"However we now have a core of teachers who are fully committed to both the pupils and school as a community, and I am confident that we can build on the areas of good practice identified by the Ofsted inspectors.

"We are working closely with local authority advisors to put in place an action plan that I am confident will enable us to get out of special measures as soon as possible."

He added: "It is frustrating but I am very confident that we can turn this around in the next 12 to 18 months.

"I need the support of the parents to bring they children to school, it is going to need to be a team effort.

"We want to aim for at least 95 per cent attendance and I am sure we can do it."

County Councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children and schools, said: "It is disappointing for everyone involved when a school goes in to special measures, but I am sure that with the right support St John's will get back on track and give their pupils the best possible education."