WHEN a Leigh junior school had government examiners round they knew they were in line for a good report.

But Leigh St Peter's CE didn't expect the icing on the inspection cake -- a certificate from the Diocesan Board of Education, an honour awarded to schools that are tops in terms of work and worship.

It applauds the commitment of the head teacher and loyalty of staff in developing not just a school of merit but a church school of excellence.

Head for six years, Pat Jolley, who has a staff of 10 and 230 children, has transformed the school in her time there.

She has changed the open plan school she inherited into nine classrooms and an IT suite.

She is also the religious education co-ordinator and has devised a spiritual development plan for every subject taught.

A Methodist, Mrs Jolley works with the vicar, the Rev Stephen Pollard, to bring out the Christian element across the range of school activities.

Mr Pollard, who has been at St Peter's for a year, is a favourite for school assemblies and this year the school has candidates for confirmation for the first time.

Mrs Jolley said: "It used to be fashionable not to have walls and doors but the children couldn't settle because of all the distractions. Behaviour has improved since we established classrooms.

"We have 20 children with statements of special education needs and the average is three for a school this size. I think it tells it's own story. We've made great progress, it's been hard work but with a good team of teachers, imagination and determination, we're delighted at the difference."