BLESSED Thomas Holford Catholic College is top of the class in Trafford when it comes to improved GCSE results.

The number of pupils leaving the Altrincham school with at least five A* to C passes has increased from 57 per cent in 2011 to 80 per cent in 2012.

The statistic was revealed on the recently released league tables and the figures include English and Maths.

Headteacher at Blessed Thomas Holford John Connolly said: “We work incredibly hard to achieve excellent examination results for our pupils, so it is pleasing to see the performance tables reflecting the high position of our school.

“Our GCSE results in 2012 are outstanding – 80% of pupils achieved A* - C grades including English and Mathematics. These results are down to the high quality of teaching in our school and the way we track the progress of our pupils from the moment they join Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College.”

Broadoak School in Partington has also seen a significant increase in students leaving with at least five A* to C GCSE passes, rising from 39 per cent in 2011 to 53 per cent in 2012.

Executive principal Andy Griffin said: “We are very proud of our pupils’ achievements last year and expect all of our pupils to exceed their potential and they have subscribed to our motto: “Believe, Achieve, Succeed.”

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was top of the league table, with 100 per cent of its pupils leaving with at least five A* to C GCSE passes.

Headmaster Tim Gartside said that the results were very good and reflect a combination of hard work by the boys, excellent teaching and a broad and challenging curriculum .

The school also achieved seventh place in the national league table.