A BOLTON headteacher has stressed the importance of retaining a multi-cultural and multi-faith mix in the town's schools.

Speaking at the annual school leavers' presentation evening, Bob Atkinson, headteacher of St James's Secondary in Farnworth, took the opportunity to speak out on government plans to strip school governors of the powers to determine admissions policy.

The plans are currently under consultation and could lead to the local authority having the final say on admissions.

Mr Atkinson said that, despite St James's being a Church of England school, their admissions policy recognises other faiths and the school had a mix of pupils which mirrored Bolton's cultural and ethnic make-up.

He said: "The Government is considering changing admission procedures for Voluntary Aided schools.

"Let's hope it doesn't alter the distinctive character of our intake -- produced by an admission policy that recognises, values and accepts other denominations and those of other faiths.

"It reflects the community in which we live and the society our pupils will help to shape.

"At this time of great tension in the world, we need the mutual respect and understanding of other cultures and faiths, exemplified by this school." Mr Atkinson went on to praise big-hearted pupils who this year have helped to raise more than £9,000 for a host of worthy causes both overseas and a lot nearer home.

These have included raising much-needed funds for Aids orphans in Uganda, Children in Need and Winter Watch for the Homeless in Bolton.

And he praised the school's young sports stars who lifted the Year 7 Bolton Schools rugby tournament trophy and won top honours in the Year 11 Bolton School Football Cup.

But Mr Atkinson had particular praise for the academic prowess of the leaving Year 11s, which this year saw more than half gain five or more top GCSE grades. A mighty 95 per cent of pupils passed at least five GCSEs and 99 per cent gained at least three passes.

"These are superb results at all levels," said Mr Atkinson. "They represent the hard work and determination to succeed on behalf of all the pupils."