HEADS of schools all over Bolton were delighted with the town's record GCSE results -- and agreed pupils had exceeded expectations.

Pupils at Canon Slade, Bradshaw Brow, surprised staff after 73 per cent of them gained at least five A-C grades, beating the target figure of 66 per cent.

School head, the Rev Peter Shepherd, said: "We are particularly delighted with the results this year because we had not expected such good grades going off the pre-exam indicators.

"It's just as nice when those pupils who didn't think they would do so well get decent results as when the high-flyers gain straight As."

A quarter of pupils notched-up at least one A or A* grade and staff were thrilled that four teenagers achieved a straight set of ten A grades.

The head of Westhoughton High School, Ken Vann, described this year's results as "extreme" with some outstanding individual results.

At least five grades A-C were achieved by 35 per cent of the pupils and some youngsters in Years Nine and 10 also did well in sitting half-GCSEs which will take the pressure off them in their final year.

Holly Adamthwaite, who was one of the youngest pupils in the year, gained the most impressive set of results at the school, with nine A*s and an A.

The 16-year-old said: "I didn't think I'd done well, so I'm very relieved.

"My parents were speechless when I told them!''

Pupils at St Joseph's High School, Chorley New Road, exceeded target grades and delighted staff.

Head Leo Conley said: "I am very pleased with this year's results because we just never dreamt the pupils would do so well.

"All the pupils are thrilled and there have been plenty of tears of joy.''

The school's target figure of 57 per cent for at least five A-C grades per pupil was easily achieved with 58 per cent of teenagers gaining the higher grades.

The overall pass rate for A-G grades at the Horwich school was 99 per cent.

Students at Turton High School set a new record with the best ever performance in this year's GCSE exams.

A highly impressive 65 per cent of candidates at the Bromley Cross Road school scored at least five or more A-C grades which was an improvement of five per cent on last year's results.

Pupil Jonathan Whittaker amazed staff and his pals after achieving a mixture of 10 A* and A grades.

Head Frank Vigon said: "These excellent results reflect the hard work and considerable talent of our students as well as the support and dedication of the staff and parents who have helped them through the GCSE years."

Pupils at Rivington and Blackrod High School were also celebrating in the sun.

Despite a problem with missing drama results, deputy head Tony Purcell was pleased the day had run relatively smoothly.

He said: "There has been an excellent atmosphere and a great sense of relief.

"The pupils more than exceeded their targets which is good news."

Teenagers at St Mary's RC High School, Astley, were over the moon after gaining a respectable set of results.

The number of pupils who gained at least five A-C grades exceeded the school's target by three per cent at 59 per cent.

Head Alan Bell said: "We've got lots of happy students here today so we're all happy as well.

"It's a tribute to the hard work of pupils, staff and parents.

"I'm also glad to say lots of the pupils will be joining us in the sixth form."

Pupils at Little Hulton Community School impressed staff after gaining better grades than their predecessors.

Almost a quarter of pupils (23.7 per cent) achieved at least five or more A-C grades and 98 per cent of teenagers gained at least one grade between A-G.

Bury Grammar School also achieved impressive results, with 94.5 per of boys gaining A-C grades.

The girls outshone the boys and achieved 98.4 per cent A-C grades.

Bury's education spokesman Cllr Trevor Holt, said: "Although we have yet to fully analyse the results it would appear that once again our youngsters and our schools have done the borough proud.

"We anticipate that this year's pass rate will at least mirror the high standards achieved in 1999 and could even be up on those. Congratulations go out to all the pupils for the high standards that they have reached."