TEACHERS in a Bolton primary have been praised for helping pupils gain well above average test results. Ofsted inspectors say that pupils set to leave St Andrew's School in Over Hulton achieve much better results in English and Maths than the national average for schools with similar profiles. And they put the success down to "very committed teaching staff who cater extremely well for the pupils' range of ability and needs".

Over half of the lessons observed were judged very good or better, 32pc good and the rest satisfactory.

"The high quality of teaching is the key factor for influencing the good standards achieved in the school," said the report.

Inspectors found the school had turned around weaknesses highlighted in the last OFSTED report including information technology and art.

Other weaknesses, including recording and planning pupil progress and early years provision now need addressing.

Inspectors did not find evidence to support parents' concerns over the amount of homework given, a low level of extra curricular activities or large class sizes affecting standards.

A concern was raised in the parental survey about the way bullying was dealt with. Inspectors found the school had a firm commitment to ensure bullying is not tolerated but procedures for monitoring and supporting behaviour were not consistent, agreed by or well known by staff.

Overall behaviour was good in the school but less positive in Key Stage 2 and lunchtimes.

Leadership

The report praised newly appointed headteacher Mrs Elizabeth Rogerson for, among other things, very good, effective educational leadership and said the school is in an excellent position to improve any weaknesses.

Mrs Rogerson said: "I am delighted that the hard work and commitment of the staff has been recognised by the Ofsted team who also recognised that the high quality of teaching has a significant impact on the children's achievements.

"The valuable support given to school by parents, the local community, the Church and the Governors is a major factor in making the school successful and happy."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.