ONE of Bolton's most over-subscribed comprehensive schools has been praised by Government inspectors.

In 1996, 432 people applied for just 240 places at Turton High School, Bromley Cross.

One of the school's particular strengths, say the OFSTED inspectors, is the sixth form which has 310 students, and the vast majority achieve higher than average A-level results.

This picture is mirrored in the school as a whole where pupils attain above national expectations in most areas.

Many pupils, however, struggle with basic spelling, punctuation and grammar despite their academic achievements, the inspectors say.

Of the lessons observed by the OFSTED inspectors, 64 per cent were deemed good or better and only five per cent were considered unsatisfactory.

Despite the overall quality and pupils' achievements, the inspectors highlight a lack of monitoring of individual pupils and call on the school to improve this situation.

The inspectors were impressed with the financial management of the school and the "orderly community". They said there was a clear moral framework based on respect for each other which stems from the school's caring ethos and pastoral support.

The fact that the school is full to capacity does however present problems, particularly in the sixth form which attracts students from other schools and where the heavy use of facilities creates problems.

Headteacher Mr Frank Vigon said the school welcomed the report and vowed that it would continue to give what the inspectors describe in their report as "good value for money".

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