A SCHOOL marked a milestone in its history on GCSE results day.

Bolton Islamic Girls Schools celebrated its first pupils receiving their examination results.

The school opened in September 2012 and the hard work of pupils and teachers paid off as the school celebrated excellent results

A breakdown showed that the 82 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A*-C/4-9, 64 per cent of learners achieved 5 A*-C/4-9 grades including English and maths; 82 per cent achieved/exceeded expected target grades. And of the total cohort 36 per cent of students achieved a grade 7to 9, equivalent to Ato A** in maths, English and science; 37 per cent of all results were 7-9 grades and 27 per cent of all English language, English literature and maths grades were 9to7, whereas the provision national figure stood at 15.5 per cent.

Headteacher Dr Zakia Maqbool said: "These girls are our first cohort of Year 11 students that studied with us from Year Seven. There were only 12 students this year but their results have been exceptional and I want our students at the school to feel proud of their achievements. They have succeeded in becoming excellent role models, understanding that their education is a means to not only benefit themselves but the community they live in."

The school, based in Great Lever, is a private school, although fees are just £1,300 a year. It has been rated a good school by Ofsted.

Among those celebrating success was Haleema Fazal who achieved two 9s, two A*, A, three 8s, one seven and a six

Dr Maqbool said: "These results are a reflection in the reward for the community and shows them that the project they have invested in has been successful.

"We are delighted with our student’s results and would like to say well done and a big congratulations to all our learners.

"Congratulations also to all our dedicated and hard working teaching and support staff."