FOR the second successive year, Bolton secondary school pupils have done better in their GCSE exams.

Figures released today show that 46.7 per cent of those taking the exams last year gained at least five A* to C grades.

This compares with 45.4 per cent in 2001 and 42.3 per cent in 2000.

But despite the improvement, Bolton still remains in the bottom half among schools across the country for GCSE passes at the top grades.

Bolton local education authority was placed 86th out of 150 LEAs .

The national average success rate was 51.5 per cent, while neighbouring Bury achieved 53.3 per cent.

Nationally, Bury was ranked 28th, Lancashire 54th, Wigan 76th, Blackburn with Darwen 116th and Salford 136th.

Only 3.4 per cent of pupils in Bolton did not gain any GCSEs at all compared, to 5.4 per cent nationally.

This year extra data has been included in the secondary school league tables. For the first time, Key Stage 3 test results for 14 year olds have been included.

Some Bolton schools working in difficult circumstances with disadvantaged pupils are considered to be making good progress.

Bolton's Director of Education and Culture Margaret Blenkinsop said: "The LEA has a role to work with its schools to ensure that they are coninuing to provide the best for all pupils. These tables enable the LEA to target its support and its resources to best effect for maximum impact on schools and pupils.

"Schools should also be praised for the sterling work they are doing in providing for pupils with special educational needs and giving them the best educational opportunities possible."

The independent Bolton School Girls' Division and the Boys' Division fill the first two places in Bolton rankings based on the percentage of pupils who achieved five GCSE passes at A*-C grades. The Girls' Divison was also among the top 150 nationally.

Canon Slade School finished in third place in the Bolton table, with 81 per cent of students gaining five or more top GCSE grades.