THE quality of education in all of Halton's secondary schools is well above the national average, according to the findings of the Office for Standards in Education.

Statistical profiles have been compiled for all local education authorities based on inspections, examination results, assesments and the annual school census.

OFSTED intends them to be used by LEAs to help raise school standards.

Comparisons were made with the national averages with the authority's statistical neighbours - 10 authorities of a similar social make-up.

The neighbours were determined by factors such as income, wealth and employment, geography and size.

Education Committee chairman Brian Jones said: "The results of recent inspections of Halton schools have been very encouraging. The majority of our young people are benefiting from good teaching and are achieving results which are above average compared with schools in similar areas.

"We shall, of course, be striving to raise standards still further as there is always room for improvement. However, parents can feel confident that their local schools are providing their children with a sound start."

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