IT is great news that more pupils in Bolton are passing their GCSE exams.

However, what is even more important is that these children attend schools of all types.

Bolton School Girls' division is again top of the town rankings with all pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades.

But shining examples of schools where hard work has resulted in significant improvements are Withins in Breightmet and George Tomlinson in Kearsley.

Withins School, which was in special measures, has moved into 18th out of 22 in the Bolton league table, while George Tomlinson has improved its pass rate from 22 per cent to 36 per cent, with Canon Slade again the best performing state school.

While the number of Bolton pupils passing five or more exams at A* to C is still below the national average, results have improved at a better rate despite the town being in the bottom third when it comes to deprivation.

Director for children's services, Margaret Blenkinsop, is right when she says credit must go to all concerned. As well as headteachers such as Withins' Philip Mather, school teachers and pupils, tribute should also be paid to all support staff and, above all, many of the families of the children taking exams.

Despite all the economic and social indicators leading to potentially poor results, the success in this year's exams once again shows that, with support from good teachers and families combined with strong management and Government investment, Bolton's children and schools will overcome any obstacles put in front of them and will succeed.

Now, the good work must be continued if the town's schools are to further improve.