HALTON has been praised for reaching the top 10 best performing local authorities in the UK for educating white disadvantaged pupils.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education commended the achievement in his annual report.

He hailed Widnes and Runcorn schools as shining beacons with great results.

Halton was the only authority outside southern England highlighted for its excellent GCSE achievement among white British pupils eligible for free school meals.

Some 47.4 per cent of these teenagers achieved five A* to C GCSEs including English and Maths.

This is only 0.2 per cent below the affluent Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Halton also reported an increase of 20 per cent of children in secondary schools judged as good or better.

And a six per cent increase in primary pupils, with 86 per cent now attending such schools.

This is higher than Warrington and Knowsley and on a par with Chester West and Liverpool.

Gerald Meehan, Halton Council’s strategic director for children, young people and enterprise, said: "This goes to show how we are improving year-on-year and making a significant difference to children's lives.

Mr Meehan wants to thank schools, parents, carers and governors and council officers for their commitment to raising standards and closing the attainment gap for children and young people.

Halton is also listed in the top 50 per cent of local authorities nationally for the percentage of pupils attending good or outstanding primary schools (45th out of 150) and secondary schools (67th out of 150).

Halton is the highest ranking north west authority for the percentage of students eligible for free school meals achieiving five A*-C GCSEs including English and maths.

Some 70 per cent of children not receiving free school meals also achieve this, making Halton well above the national average..

The report also states that the Key Stage 4 performance of disadvantaged students in secondary schools in the north west is strongest in Halton.

Halton Cllr Ged Philbin, board member for children, young people and families said: "To be given such a stamp of approval by a government inspector means we are really going in the right direction.”