PUPILS, parents and teachers across Dudley borough were today celebrating the best ever GCSE results.

Last year 61 per cent of pupils gained five or more grades A*-C while 46.9 per cent achieved five or more grades A*-C including English and maths. Early indications are that Dudley’s result is up by two per cent this year for those who have achieved five A*-C grades including English and maths. Overall results for five A*-C grades has risen by approximately four per cent.

The top performing schools achieving five or more GCSE grades A*-C including English and maths include Old Swinford Hospital (96 per cent), The Kingswinford School and Science College (70 per cent), Summerhill School (75 per cent) and the Bishop Milner Catholic School (58 per cent).

Councillor Liz Walker, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I would like to congratulate all pupils who have picked up their GCSE results today. It is difficult to make predictions before results are verified but early indications from many of our schools suggest results are on the up again.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated teachers and parents and carers who together have worked extremely hard to support young people in achieving the best possible results.”