THE number of secondary schools in Bolton marked as good or outstanding has fallen by 11 per cent in 12 months according to Ofsted, which today published its annual report.

But the number of Ofsted-judged good or better high schools as of August 31 last year was slightly above the North West average of 67 per cent but below the country’s average of 76 per cent.

Four schools in Bolton dropped from good to requires improvement, but two schools improved by two grades from inadequate to good and Bolton has no secondary school judged as inadequate.

Ofsted’s Annual Report for 2018/19 is designed to give a state of the nation picture of education in England.

There was a two per cent improvement in the number of primary schools judged good or outstanding, with 89 per cent judged at that level, slightly below the North West average but higher than the England average of 87 per cent.

Work being done at The Olive School in Bolton was highlighted as part of the launch of the report.

Ofsted said: “The principal, senior staff, governing body and the trust have established an excellent school within a very short period of time.

"The trust’s high expectations of the quality of education pupils attending a Star Academies School should receive are being realised. This has been achieved through the relentless drive by the current principal and her predecessor.”

Andrew Cook, Ofsted director for the North West said: “In many parts of the North West children are getting a good or outstanding education. Nine out of 10 primary schools in this region are good or better."

Sabina Saeed, Principal at The Olive School, Bolton said: “We are absolutely delighted to have had our good work highlighted by Ofsted.

“At The Olive School, Bolton our focus is on providing the very best education for all our pupils.

"Our staff, parents and the pupils themselves, work hard to ensure that the highest standards are maintained.

“In our latest Ofsted inspection, we were overjoyed to be judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. We were especially pleased that inspectors recognised the breadth of activities and the high quality of our teaching.

"We take pride in ensuring that our school remains a joyous place to learn where children can access the very best education in a vibrant and fun environment.

"We are now looking forward to building on our success and aim to achieve even more for our pupils in the coming years.”