AFTER last year's best-ever maths results at Ludlow School English has followed suit.

A total of 69% of pupils passed English at A* to C this year which particularly pleased head Phil Poulton.

Nationally the percentage of pupils gaining an A* to C grade in English went down 1.9% to 61.7%.

"The figure is very pleasing. We have got our best ever English results so we have bucked the national trend," said Mr Poulton.

"Though nationally there has been a sharp fall in English GCSE results our results have risen by 3%.

"We are so proud of our students and this is my final opportunity to thank them, their parents, carers and staff. We recieved superb support all year."

Overall the percentage of pupils achieving five A* to C grades, including English and maths, was around 55% to 56%.

Last year this figure was 60%. Mr Poulton said he was pleased with the results despite the drop.

"Despite the volatility that has hit this sector nationally, we are encouraged by the fact that our students can move forward with confidence," said Mr Poulton.

"The more we are hearing about the national picture the more pleased we are. We are so proud of them."

Performance in maths was also above the national average.

A total of 68% of pupils passed maths at A* to C with the national average being around 64%.

"There were some tremendous individual results, with some of our young people achieving an array of A*s and A grades," added Mr Poulton.

These included: Eleanor Rayner, Paige Anthony, James Small, Cara Squires, Alice Watkins, Oliver Church, Josh Ashton, Georgia Loft, Frances Milburn, Adam Collinge, Jasmine Price, Francesca McColl, and Laura Sheldon.