SCHOOLS in the Leigh area are recognised as being among the best in the country – but they could do better!

Ofsted has ranked local authorities in league tables according to the performance of their primary schools and Wigan borough came out on top.

The report showed an unprecedented rise in teaching standards, with 80% of schools acknowledged as either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’; and with no schools on Ofsted’s ‘poor’ list, with schools in the Leigh and Wigan area recognised as the most improved borough in Greater Manchester and the fourth most improved in England.

Education charity, SGOSS, believes that one way of doing this is by strengthening the governing bodies of the area's schools.

“It is fantastic to see that Wigan schools are performing so well,” said Jessica Wain, SGOSS Area Manager for the North-West.

“In order to keep this up, it is important that the teaching, management and leadership of a school is supported and held to account by a strong and effective governing body”.

“Governors have a greater role to play in schools and it is vital that there are volunteers available to help establish a clear vision for school improvement. Schools rely heavily on the enthusiasm and experience of people from the local community; their support can make a real difference to education”.

To support the push for more volunteer governors a recruitment campaign will run until February 3.

Find out more at www.becomeagovernor.com