TWO schools in Bolton made dramatic improvements in their GCSE results.

St Joseph’s RC High School, Horwich, achieved the best results in its history last year, with 67 per cent of pupils achieving the benchmark of five A* to C grades, including maths and English.

Deputy headteacher Maurice Graham said: “We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of the pupils, parents and staff.

“These results are a reflection of the hard work and positive attitude of our pupils and staff as well as the excellent support we receive from parents.”

Harper Green School, Farnworth, was the most improved school in the borough, with 40 per cent of pupils achieving the benchmark standard — a 15 per cent increase from 2008.

Assistant headteacher Sara Cain said the improvements were down to a number of different initiatives the school had brought in.

She said: “We looked at pupils who were potentially under-performing and they were mentored by senior teachers. We also closely engaged with parents.”