MORE than half of school sixth-form departments in Bolton produced results better than the national average, today’s figures show.

The average point score for pupils at A/AS-level or equivalent study at Turton School, Thornleigh Salesian College, Canon Slade and Bolton School girls and boys division beat the national and local averages, which were 739.8 and 695.4 respectively.

The best-performing sixth form was Bolton School girls division, with an average point score of 1016.8. In the state sector, Canon Slade was at the top of the table with 908.2.

Bottom of the table was Bolton Community College, which achieved an average point score of only 598.5. But the college said the scores did not give a fair representation of its achievements.

Principal Carol Bannerman said: “Bolton Community College is a vocational college and we do not offer AS or A-level qualifications.

“The league table picture is relatively distorted as including equivalent qualifications in the table, such as NVQs and BTECs, is not comparing like with like.

“Bolton Community College prides itself on its diverse range of vocational courses, from motor vehicle engineering to hairdressing, childcare and much more. It enjoys CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) status for its construction and healthcare programmes.

John Porteous, head of Turton School and chairman of Bolton North Cluster of Schools, which also includes Canon Slade and Thornleigh Salesian College, said: “The news is cause for celebration.

“The results achieved mean young people have an excellent platform to make choices in their careers and higher education.

“The results are because of excellent relationships between staff — who are specialists in their subjects — and students and a concentration on the care provided for young people as well as a focus on high expectations.”