TRAFFORD students have achieved GCSE results that place them above the national average in English and maths.

Highlights from this year’s results include:

• The percentage of pupils achieving five or more A* - C grades including English and Maths, 72.3%, is the same as last year which itself was the highest level ever achieved in Trafford

• Nationally the percentage of A* - C grades in English increased to 65.4%. The provisional data for Trafford shows 80.7% of young people achieving at this level, above the national by over 15 percentage points

• The percentage of A* - C grades awarded in mathematics has increased nationally to 63.3%. Trafford’s performance is comfortably above the national average by 15 percentage points at 78.6%

Executive member for children’s services, Cllr Michael Hyman, said: “Following on from last week’s excellent A Level results, this year’s GCSE success reinforces Trafford’s educational standing as among the best in the country.

"Results like these do not just happen, they are achieved thanks to the hard work of students, teaching and other school staff, governors and parents. To have maintained and exceeded our excellent standards this year is fantastic and I would like to congratulate all our students on their achievements.

"Whilst these results are to be celebrated, educational success is about more than just examinations. Here in Trafford we pride ourselves in providing the best possible educational opportunities for every young person to thrive, develop and meet their individual potential, something we remain committed to see continue. It is this rounded approach to educational opportunities which will ultimately help them as they prepare for the working environment."

* See GCSE and A-level success stories from page 19.