A HALTON academy is celebrating after being hailed one of the 100 best schools in the country.

Ormiston Chadwick Academy (OCA) in Widnes is the top performing school in Halton in the government’s new provisional progress 8 scores, which measure how much progress pupils have made between year 6 SATs and GCSEs.

OCA’s score of 0.82 by the Department of Education means it is rated well above average.

The score equates to each student achieving on average almost a whole GCSE grade better per subject than similar students nationally.

The academy is also shortlisted for Leadership of the Year in the Educate Awards 2017.

In just three years, OCA took the former Bankfield School, which was in special measures, to outstanding.

The school is now the fifth highest performing school in the north west.

Principal Tuesday Humby said: “I am absolutely delighted our pupils have once again made outstanding progress.

“They have a wonderful diverse curriculum where students can choose from a whole variety of courses at GCS, which means our young people thrive when they are with us.

“The mantra here is ‘above and beyond’ and the energy and drive from all members of staff is evident the minute you walk through the door.

“The relationships between our staff and students are the absolute key to our success.”

The high school rankings published on Thursday list Wade Deacon High School in Widnes as above average.

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy and The Heath in Runcorn are average.

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College in Widnes and St Chad’s Catholic and Church of England High School, Sandymoor and The Grange in Runcorn are all well below average.