GIFTED and talented youngsters from a Tyldesley school have been taking part in an elite set of exams.

Students from schools which are part of the Kingsbridge Excellence Cluster of Schools -- including Fred Longworth High School -- were given the chance to enter world class tests to see how they fared against their opposite numbers from countries around the world.

The tests are designed for the top 10 per cent of pupils across the globe aged between nine and 13. They look at reasoning skills in maths or problem solving. Part of the exam is written, the other is completed on a computer.

Out of 19 pupils taking part from Tyldesley, 13 successfully passed the tests. This means they can now enter the World Class Arena and directly link up with schools abroad via the internet and swap skills with other pupils or get more expert tutoring.

It has been a double success for the school which has just received a very receiving a glowing Ofsted report.

Headteacher Tony Colley said: "This recognition means a great deal to us and is a real pat on the back for all involved with a school that is now performing at the very highest level."