WARRINGTON has topped the charts to be named the top place in the north west for the number of 16-year-olds currently in education or training.

In the town, 97.7 per cent of 16-year-olds continued in education or training after leaving school.

This figure eclipses the national average of 94 per cent.

New data also reveals Warrington is ranked top in the north west with 93.9 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds currently in education and training, compared to the national average of 90.3 per cent.

Clr Jean Carter, executive board member for children and young people’s services, said: “This is a brilliant set of figures for Warrington and a fantastic achievement.

“Warrington is above the national average and this is a reflection not only of the council staff who have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we meet the new requirements but more importantly of our young people who have secured education or training opportunities.”

The law was changed in 2012 meaning pupils who left year 11 last year were required to continue in education or training for at least one more year.

The present year 11 school leavers will be the first cohort required to stay in education or training until their 18th birthday.