Celebrations mark a record-breaking year (From Warrington Guardian)

Celebrations mark a record-breaking year

STAFF at Victoria Community Technology School were cracking open the champagne after their pupils broke all records in this year's GCSE exams.

The school broke its record for the number of pupils achieving five or more passes at grade C and above, and almost every pupil left school with at least one GCSE qualification.

Last year, the school received an award for the highest 'value added' score from KS3 to GCSE level in Cheshire, and was also awarded membership of the Specialist Schools Trust Club.

Headteacher Mark Stanyer said: "It is testimony to what can be achieved in a community that believes in the future of its young people.

"We challenge our young people to achieve beyond expectations by providing an innovative, broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities at both academic and vocational levels."

Pupils at St Thomas More Catholic High School also achieved top-class grades in this year's exams, with more than 65 per cent managing to score five or more A* to C grade passes.

Around a quarter of all results were A* or A grades, with two pupils achieving 10 A* grades and a further 13 earning straight A* and A grades.

A spokesman for the school said: "This is a great testament to the hard work, ability and commitment of the pupils, the support and encouragement of their parents, and the expertise and unfailing efforts of the staff.

"This will be our first year as a Specialist Maths and ICT school, and we will continue to aim for the highest possible standards in work, behaviour and contribution."