BOLTON schools have moved down 12 places in the national rankings, despite improved GCSE results in 2009.

Bolton Council was placed at 111 out of 151 local authorities — down from 99th last year.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, Bolton Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “I am proud of everyone who has contributed to Bolton’s best results. We are determined that we should continue this progress and make sure standards continue to rise.”

Bury schools were 19th, with 58.8 per cent of pupils gaining the benchmark of at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Wigan was placed 90th as 48.7 per cent of students achieved the benchmark. Salford schools were 115th, with 45.8 per cent getting at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths.