ST JOSEPH'S RC High school, Horwich, has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors.

The team of 15 who visited in May, found it to be a good school with a high standard of achievement, teaching and behaviour, where relationships between staff and pupils are excellent.

Their report said: "The standards of attainment achieved by most pupils are high and few achieve at levels lower than their potential."

They said the academic success of the school was based upon the commitment and hard work of its staff. Teaching in the majority of lessons was described as satisfactory or better, with a significant proportion that was good or very good. GCSE results are well above the national average.

The inspectors said: "The ethos of the school is rooted in its values as a Catholic community characterised by respect and concern for others and a recognition of the importance of spiritual and moral education."

The report advised the school to ensure that rising pupil numbers and its popularity does not put a strain on the accommodation, staffing and curriculum. It is also recommended that provision for information technology and multi-cultural education be extended and that more scope be given for pupils to take more responsibility for their own learning.

But the inspectors stressed that, whatever the school's response to the report, nothing should be allowed to jeopardise the high standards and excellent relationships that already exist. Headteacher Mr Leo Convey said that he was delighted with the report.

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