One in six households in Bolton are among the most privileged in society.

Figures taken from the Census shows that 16 per cent of households had people working in professional occupation.

The latest Office for National Statistics data shows 39,344 of 239,212 applicable households (16.4 per cent) in Bolton were ranked in the highest band – where the household reference person was in a higher or intermediate occupation, which is generally defined as a white collar worker.

The social grade is an overall score of households with a 'reference person' aged between 16 and 64 derived from 2021 census data.

It calculates a grade based on household income, economic activity, qualifications, the type and tenure of the household, and many other socio-economic factors.

There are four social grade classifications, AB, C1, C2 and DE, with AB – higher and intermediate managerial, administrative, and professional occupations – the highest and DE – semi-skilled and unskilled manual occupations and the unemployed – the lowest.

And figures have also revealed Bolton stands out as a good place for education in England due to it having 20 outstanding schools.

Bolton has an education score of 9.60/10, thanks to its top-notch schools, 116 establishments (82.08 per 100,000 people), including 20 ‘outstanding’ schools, 14.15 per 100,000 people.

The town has the University of Bolton, consistently ranked for its innovative teaching methods and industry connections.

Cllr Andy Morgan, Ward Councillor for Heaton, Lostock, and Chew Moor, one of the most affluent wards in the borough, said: “We are very lucky in the borough to have some very affluent areas but that does contrast with us also having some of the most deprived wards in the country.

“We must ensure that everyone, wherever they live in the borough, reap the benefits from the amazing educational and training offers we have.

“The fact Bolton stood out as the ultimate city for education, providing good educational outcomes which helps promote healthier futures, mitigates social isolation, and ultimately provides access to better employment opportunities and life chances is an absolute credit to all those who work on our schools, colleges, and university.

“The proposed collaboration between Bolton College, the University of Bolton, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and Bolton Council, to build The Bolton College of Medical Sciences (BCMS), which will provide state-of-the-art vocational and professional skills and training facility at the Royal Bolton Hospital site, will further enhance our offer and transform the way that people are trained and employed in the healthcare sector not just in Bolton but also across Greater Manchester.”

Andrew Cardwell, Managing Director of Cardwells Estate Agents, said Bolton was an attractive place to live.

He said: “Bolton is a fantastic place to live. The education options in our town are first class, it’s no wonder it has stood out in this category.  

“All the way from preschool to Doctorate level there are wonderful Primary schools, outstanding Secondary Schools, Bolton School, various colleges and of course the wonderful university with its diverse degree level and beyond courses.

“These education options in Bolton are a key factor in families being attracted to our town.

“However, there is so much more too.  

“The countryside in Bolton is stunning, with The Jumbles, Rivington Pike and the West Pennine Moors for example all on our doorstep.

“There are fantastic transport links, wonderful restaurants, sports clubs, shopping options, employment opportunities, and welcoming and vibrant communities all around Bolton.

“These communities are the hub of our wonderful town and although Bolton may be classed as being a little below the national average in this study in some ways, I’m certain that if there were rankings for wonderful welcoming communities, Bolton would come out on top.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.