STUDENTS in the Malvern area have improved their GCSE results, according to figures released this week.

Across the county the percentage of pupils achieving five or more GCSE A* to C grades in both English and maths – the Government’s benchmark – is higher than last year at just over 60 per cent, as opposed to 54.9 per cent.

The figures put Worcestershire above the national figure for the same benchmark, which is 58.9 per cent. And there were some impressive performers in Malvern. The Chase School saw its results (five-plus A*-C GCSEs including English and maths) shoot up from 56 per cent to 73 per cent.

Hanley Castle High School saw its rates improve from 66 per cent to 77 per cent, while Dyson Perrins Academy is up from 51 per cent to 53 per cent.

In A-level results, the Chase averaged 815.8 points per student, Hanley 805.5 and Dysons 666.2.

The Worcestershire average was 710.3 and the national average 745.9.

Jane Potter, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: “It is a credit to the hard work of all the students and those who have supported them that another year of steady improvements has been achieved.”

• For the full table see today's print edition of the Malvern Gazette or click here.

KEY: A, Number of pupils at the end of KS4; B, Percentage of pupils who achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs (or equivalents) in both English and Maths in 2011; C, Percentage of pupils who achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs (or equivalents) in both English and Maths in 2010; D, Percentage of pupils who achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs (or equivalents); E, Percentage of pupils achieving expected progress between KS2 and English GCSE in KS4; F, Percentage of pupils achieving expected progress between KS2 and Maths GCSE in KS4; G, Average A-level score per pupil in 2011; H, Average A-level score per pupil in 2010.

􀁥􀁥 Some schools in the table may have nought per cent showing as their results include iGCSEs, which are not recognised in the data.