A SCHOOL which saw its first pupils sit their GCSE exams this summer has been placed number one in Bolton, based on its results.

Eden Boys' School is top of the secondary state school "league" table based on provisional examination results released by the department for education.

READ MORE: The best and worst schools in Bolton based on GCSE results

And the school, which opened as faith school just four years ago, is also just one of two where children were found to make well above average progress.

Under the figures, a total of 78 per cent of pupils achieved a grade five or above in English and maths — 10 per cent more than the second highest performing school.

The news is another boost to the school which in was given the highest mark possible in its first Ofsted inspection, marked as outstanding.

Headteacher Shabir Fazal, said: "These really are exceptional outcomes, particularly considering the incredibly challenging new exams. We are delighted with the results, which are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, staff and governors.

"However, we believe that education is about much more than just exam results. We want our young men at Eden Boys’ School to develop exemplary character, have strong morals and to be responsible, compassionate citizens."

And faith schools dominated the top half of the table, with the number two school, based on strong passes in English and maths, being Bolton Muslim Girls School — where 68 per cent achieved the benchmark. And the school was number one based on its well above average progress score and its Attainment 8 figure.

Canon Slade in Bradshaw and St James' CE High School in Farnworth were the next best performing with scores of 59 per cent 56 per cent respectively, with pupils at both school making above average progress.

Children also made above average progress at Sharples School where 47 per cent of pupils achieved 9-5 in English and maths and also at Thornleigh Salesian College, where 45 per cent made the 9-5 grade in English and maths.

Caroline Molyneux, deputy head of Sharples School, said: "We are delighted with our Progress 8 score of +0.44, which is once again one of the highest in Bolton. It is fantastic to have this recognition of the hard work and effort that our wonderful students and staff put in every day across all areas of the curriculum."

The department for education will release the final figures of all schools, include independent schools, in January in the annual performance tables.