A WESTHOUGHTON school has received a positive Ofsted report.

St George's CE Primary was praised for "above average" standards in national tests, good teaching, pupils' positive attitudes and the school's strong management structure.

However, the inspectors criticised the "significant" number of pupils taking holidays in term time which had created an above average level of unauthorised absence.

The inspectors said there were no unsatisfactory areas of the school's work but highlighted areas for improvement.

Headteacher, Simon Bramwell, was praised for being competent, caring and deeply committed and for promoting stability, high expectations and good morale.

Mr Bramwell said: "We are a school that seeks improvement and innovation. The inspectors gave us great credit for the variety of ways we tackle issues here."

Chairman of governors, the Rev Gerald Broadbent, said: "The lead inspector told us that the most significant challenge facing the school over the next few years is the maintenance of the current high standards."