LEIGH St Mary's RC High School, Astley, has received national acclaim in Parliament for its high quality education for the second time in four years.

And the whole school is delighted that its second excellent Ofsted report has once again been highlighted in the House of Commons.

Chief Inspector of Schools, Mike Tomlinson, praised the work and achievements of the 1,700 pupil school in his annual report to the Commons.

He identified St Mary's, renowed for its sporting and drama prowess, as one of a number of particularly successful schools which has performed well in national tests and examinations. In a letter to head teacher, Mr Alan Bell, he told him St Mary's would be identified among a number of particularly successful schools which have performed well. He added: "My warmest congratulations to you, your staff, governors and of course the pupils."

Mr Bell said: "For the second time in four years we are delighted to receive a personal letter of congratulations from the Chief Inspector of Schools praising the work and achievements of St Mary's.

"In 1997 we were named in his annual report as a school which was particularly successful following an Ofsted inspection."

The school was praised for:

A clear sense of direction and a strong commitment to improvement

Teaching quality that is very good enabling students to learn effectively

Good personal support for pupils

Extra curricular activities which offer pupils very good scope for personal development

Pupils show high enthusiasm for school life

Governors are well informed about the school and provide support for staff and pupils

Parents express positive views about the help their children get to become more mature and responsive

The maturity pupils acquire is central to the good relationships found in school.

Mr Bell said: "To receive such recognition after each of our Ofsted inspections speaks volumes for the committment of everyone involved in the school.

"I believe that it is the example given by the adult members of our school community in carrying out our guiding statement that "all pupils are valued and treated with respect" which results in the vast majority of our pupils having an infectious enthusiasm for life in school. I am extremely pleased that the combined efforts of teachers, support staff, governors, pupils, parents and local parishes provides the basis for high quality education at St Mary's."

The report also highlighted Westleigh Methodist Primary School, Westleigh Lane, Leigh, which was one of 226 schools nationally which improved substantially during 1999-2000 and was consequently removed from Special Measures.