BOLTON'S schools are celebrating GCSE success with many reporting record improvements and outstanding individual performances.

Canon Slade, Turton High School, Hayward and Bolton School have made significant improvements.

In particular, this year's GCSE results have smashed records at Bolton School.

Seventeen youngsters - five in the Boys' Division and 12 in the Girls - were in the top five in the country in various subjects.

Claire Davies, who gained 10 A*s, was in the top five in the country in French, Spanish and religious studies.

Chetan Dongre, aged 16, gained 10 A*s and one A and was in the top five in the country in German and maths. He is considering a career in medicine.

Zahrah Karim gained ten A*s and was in the top five nationally for French and biology.

In the Boys' Division, 43 pupils achieved ten A*s and A or better, while 24 achieved 11 A*s and A.

The overall percentage of A* and A grades reached new heights at 69.4 per cent and four students gained 11 A *s. Once again, every student achieved the standard of at least five A* to C grades.

Headmaster Mervyn Brooker said: "Last year's cohort were placed in the top 20 in the country. For this group to beat their record is some achievement."

Girls school headmistress Jane Panton said: "We are delighted. We are celebrating a double success, since our A-level results last week were also so pleasing."

At Canon Slade School, 81 per cent of students gained at least five A* to C grades.

Almost 100 per cent of students achieved at least five A* to G passes.

Headteacher Rev Peter Shepherd said: "It is clear that all teachers and students have worked very hard to maintain these excellent standards."

Twin sisters Stephanie and Jessica MacWilliam are both celebrating outstanding results. Stephanie gained six A*s and four A grades, while Jessica got three A*s, six As and a B.

Adrian Johns, aged 16, gained four A *s and six As and he will be staying on at Canon Slade to study A levels in maths, physics, history and IT.

Adele McMahon gained seven A*s and three As.

Sally Montgomery is celebrating after gaining eight A*s and two As. Ian Gray, aged 16, gained five A *s, three As and two Bs.

Staff pupils and parents at Hayward School are celebrating their best results ever.

This year, the percentage of pupils achieving a minimum of five A* to C GCSE grades has shot up by 10 per cent to 34 per cent.

More than three quarters of pupils achieved seven passes, with 95 per cent of pupils achieving at least one A to G pass.

Headteacher Tim Oakes said: "Everyone has worked really hard and the commitment they have made is reflected in the results."