HALTON schools are celebrating following a significant improvement in their GCSE results.

Early results show that 58.7 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C grades including English and maths – a 1.8 per cent increase on last year.

There was also a 2.1 per cent rise in the number of students achieving A* to C grades in both English and maths – to 60.5 per cent – and more than a five per cent increase in the proportion of pupils achieving the English Baccalaureate benchmark – to 32.3 per cent.

The improvements come despite a reported national year-on-year decline in GCSE results and an overhaul to the exam system.

Cllr Tom McInerney, Halton Council's executive board member for children, young people and families, said: “The students are to be congratulated. The GCSE results show how hard they have worked and their commitment to succeed.

"This will provide a great foundation for future success.

“These results are a credit not only to our students but to all the school staff – both teaching and non-teaching – who have helped our young people.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and thanks for the support and commitment of the governors at all Halton schools.

"I am very proud of what has been achieved in Halton and know that this is as a result of a tremendous amount of hard work by the students and all of those who have supported them.

"Congratulations and good luck to all students as you move on to the next stage of your journey, be that further education or training."