GCSE tables show eight of the best among ups and downs

EIGHT schools achieved some of their best scores ever in this year's GCSE examinations.

The annual GCSE and A-level performance tables were published yesterday and revealed another year of improvement nationally, with 50.7% of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades, including English and mathematics.

UPBEAT: Congratulations from Vernon Coaker MP.
WELL DONE: Delighted pupils at West Park School, Spondon, walk with head teacher Brian Walker.

The 2.5% national increase took the Government closer to its target of 53% by 2011.

In Derby, the city council average dropped from 49.3% in 2008 to 45.6% for the GCSEs, which pupils sat last summer.

The average at Derbyshire County Council-run schools was 51%.

But there were celebrations at Bemrose Community School, Derby; West Park School, Spondon; Ecclesbourne School, Duffield; Frederick Gent School, South Normanton; Friesland School, Sandiacre; Highfields School, Matlock; William Allitt School, Newhall, and Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College, Long Eaton.

All of the schools have achieved steady upward progress over the past four years, with the percentage of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths, increasing each year.

Brian Walker, head teacher at West Park School, said: "We recorded our best-ever results and these were built on the solid achievement of the last few years. We are especially pleased with achievement in English and maths but results are good across the board.''

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said: "A decade ago, just 35% of children left school with five A* to C grades GCSEs."

The average school performance in 1997 was at around 30%, which is what would now be the lowest mark acceptable.

Said Mr Coaker: "The entire system has shifted up a level and we are determined to keep it moving.

"No doubt detractors will once again try to pick holes in these achievements – trying to devalue the hard work of pupils, teachers and schools. But this is the time to acknowledge their efforts and congratulate them."

The A-level results, which do not have targets set by the Government because they are not compulsory at present, also showed some good individual college and school performances.

These included the Millennium Centre, Littleover; John Port School, Etwall; Chellaston School and Woodlands School in Allestree.