Outstanding results were celebrated at Ladybridge High School, with more than half achieving a top grade in the core subjects.

The results were described as a 'tremendous improvement' on 2019, the last time exams were held, before Covid struck.

A breakdown of results shows that 61 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths.

Paddy Russell, headteacher, said: "We are extremely proud of what our Year 11 learners have achieved.

"The year group have worked unbelievably hard and deserve the results they are receiving today. Our results show tremendous improvement from 2019, when outcomes were last based on exams. Sixt-one per cent of learners achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics and 41 per cent achieved above a grade 5 in both subjects."

He added: "The results don’t only compare well with the outcomes in 2019. Many headline figures are higher than the results achieved over the last two years when final results were based on teacher assessment.

"This is a wonderful achievement by the year group.

"It’s even more impressive when you consider that prior to this year the last ‘normal’ year in school, without the disruption of the pandemic, was when this cohort were in Year 8.

" We know that the disruption of the pandemic was disproportionate across the UK and that our area of Bolton was particularly badly affected.

"The year group lost over 50 per cent of their face-to-face learning over an 18 month period. They kept working and kept learning. On return to some degree of normality last September they demonstrated incredible work ethic and commitment to make up lost ground. These results have certainly been hard earned

"Well done to all."