One of Bolton's highest performing schools has been graded outstanding in three out of four areas.
St James CE High School in Farnworth was recently visited by a team of Ofsted inspectors who gave top marks for behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership of the school.
The quality of education was described as good and the overall grade for the school was 'good'.
The Ofsted report stated: "Pupils are motivated to work hard by teachers. They are keen to do well. In most subjects, pupils benefit from teaching that helps them to achieve well or better."
Inspectors added that the young people get the care and support they need to "overcome challenges and strive for excellence" adding that teachers have 'extremely high expectations' of pupils
The inspection team reported: "Pupils feel happy in school. They value their strong friendships and warm relationships with staff."
The school's enrichment curriculum was praised as was the leadership of the school at all levels:
"They (leaders) are taking impressive steps to ensure that pupils receive a consistently high quality of education," stated the report.
Teachers’ subject knowledge was described as strong.
The school’s exceptional pastoral care was also commended in the report.
Best performing schools based on provisional GCSE results
Bolton's St James' High School pupils aim high
Headteacher Catherine Anderson said: "I am delighted that we have received this glowing report from Ofsted. It highlights the hard work of our staff team and showcases the outstanding behaviour and dedication of our students.’
"I am pleased that Ofsted have recognised the extensive work we have done to redesign our curriculum to ensure all young people are challenged and ‘can strive for excellence’. I am also thrilled to read the positive comments regarding our exceptional personal, social and health education and all the work we do with our students to prepare and plan their future careers.’
"Our broad extra-curricular offer was also praised and it was acknowledged that our wonderful teachers ‘go beyond the expected for example by providing pupils with opportunities to learn about and care for exotic animals.’’
"My personal highlight of our report was that Ofsted commented that ‘pupils feel happy in school. They value their strong friendships and warm relationships with staff. Pupils have a strong sense of belonging. This helps them to feel safe.’
St James’ is a member of The Bishop Fraser Trust, which also includes Canon Slade School and Bolton St Catherine's Academy
CEO of the Trust Tania Lewyckyj said: "The trustees and I are delighted with the recent Ofsted comments. Whilst Ofsted has made the decision to reduce the overall outstanding judgements by 95% across the country, it is evident that St James’s continues to uphold the highest standards and has been rewarded with an exceptional report. Never complacent, it is clear that the school goes from strength to strength. Mrs Anderson and her team have excelled in their pursuit of the balance between academic achievements and the faith based, caring nature of the school."
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