BURY'S Holy Cross College has been named among the top 20 colleges in the country in its latest Ofsted report.

In 2001, the average point score for each student was 20, compared to a national average of 17.8, and a local average of 16.2. This means the college was in the top 20 of the 429 colleges nationwide.

The Ofsted report praised the good leadership and management, strong commitment and the corporation and college staff who are said to be focused clearly on raising levels of achievement.

The Manchester Road college has a student retention rate which ranks the college in the top ten per cent of colleges over the past three years.

Good support for students, effective teaching and high standards of work in lessons were identified as key strengths and provision in all curriculum areas was said to be "good" or "outstanding".

Levels of attendance and punctuality are high, careers guidance is very good and students receive good support in class and in specially-arranged sessions.

There was some room for improvement, however. It was felt that the college should continue to develop its accommodation strategy, develop more student and staff links with the business community.

It should also develop methods of teaching and learning in some areas to cater more effectively for the needs of students with differing abilities.