IN a year of considerable change and challenge for all students nationally, a spokesman for Culcheth High School said it was delighted that ‘very high standards in rigorous GCSE subjects have been maintained’.

Figures reveal that 83 per cent of pupils achieved an A* to C in English literature, 80 per cent in maths and 79 per cent in English language.

In biology, chemistry and physics, 64 per cent of school leavers gained an A* or A.

A spokesman added: “We are very proud as a school of the superb achievements of our students, their hard work and dedication.

Even more impressive is that their success has been achieved against a multitude of national changes to GCSEs.”