WOODHEY High School in Ramsbottom has received an outstanding report from the Government's education watchdog.

Quality of teaching and the leadership of the headteacher were both described as "very good" and played an important part in pupils' good achievement, said the Ofsted report.

Pupils themselves were praised for having "excellent attitudes for work" and achieved well above average in mathematics and above average in English language and literacy.

Inspectors for Ofsted reported: "The quality of education is very good. Teaching is very good overall, and a relatively high proportion of lessons are excellent. Teachers' very effective methods and encouragement sustain pupils' involvement and lead to very good learning."

As well as achieving well academically, the personal development of pupils was also said to be "very good". "Activities organised outside the normal run of lessons, such as those in sport or music, are very well supported and significantly enhance pupils' personal development," stated the report. "Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very good."

The school's relations with parents, other schools and the community was also praised.

Ofsted inspectors, however, did note that the school could improve by sharing information on pupils' performances and by making more use of information technology in lessons.

Inspectors also urged the school to press for more up-to-date accommodation -- although they did note that the school suffered from a "well below average" budget.

Headteacher Mr Martin Braidley said: "The whole school community -- pupils, staff, governors, parents and friends in the wider community -- played a full and active part in making the inspection such a success."