A HIGH school in Bolton is officially one of the best in the country when it comes to getting the most out of its pupils.

Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, in Harwood, has received national recognition for how far pupils progress from when they start the school to sitting their GCSEs.

It was found to be in the top 20 per cent of schools by the SSAT — the organisation for school improvement and collaboration — and will be awarded an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award next month recognising Bolton St Catherine’s success.

Principal Lee Harris said: “We have been given this award because we are in the top 20 per cent of schools in the whole of England for progress in GCSEs.

“It shows that we are making a real impact on the education of the young people of our community and it is a great achievement for all the staff and students at our academy.”

He added: “We are on a real upward trajectory as a school, not just in relation to our ever-improving attainment levels, but also in terms of our community projects, adult education, primary liaison programme and student sporting programme.”

The award will be presented on Monday at Dixons Allerton Academy in Bradford.

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT, said: “Bolton St Catherine’s Academy should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement.

"They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students.

“There is so much good practice that this school could share, and I hope many schools will join us at the celebration ceremony for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools.

"These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person.

“I am proud that this school is a member of the SSAT network.”