NATIONAL school league tables have revealed the best and worst performing secondary schools in Warrington.

Seven high schools in the town have eclipsed the national average in terms of pupils who obtained five or more GCSEs grade A* to C, including English and maths

Bridgewater High School came top of the class with 68 per cent of pupils achieving top grades in the subjects.

Head teacher Tim Long said: "In a year of turbulent results both locally and nationally we were delighted with the performance of our students.

"Many did exceptionally well as did many individual subjects. We now look forward to some strong GCSE results this year as well."

Cardinal Newman High School also topped the charts with 71 per cent of pupils achieving an A* to C in English and maths.

Head teacher Julie Warburton said she was 'once again delighted' by the results.

She said: "There are two main factors that contribute to our success, the continued hard work and dedication from all of our staff and the high expectations we have for all students. 

"We offer firm guidance, challenge and stimulus – plus loving support.

“Our pastoral system allows students to develop within a caring and nurturing environment. 

"The support we receive from our parents also plays a huge role in the success of our school.”

But four schools in Warrington failed to beat the national average with only 27 per cent of pupils at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School gaining five or more GCSEs grade A* to C, including English and maths.

Head teacher Beverley Scott-Herron said staff are full committed to raising standards with plans already in place.

She said: “There are now robust systems, policies and practices in place which are being embedded to tackle under performance.

“We are significantly raising expectations, aspirations and standards of not only our young people but our local community.

"The school is a very different place to how it was and we have embarked on a huge culture shift. We are moving at a rapid pace in securing improvements and change is being led and managed effectively."

Figures were not available for Future Tech Studio School and King's Leadership Academy in the league tables as pupils have not sat these exams.

But the national executive member for NASUWT for Merseyside and Cheshire, Mick Burrows has reminded parents that 'raw statistics can never measure the hard work of all the staff and students throughout all the school years and key stages in all the subject areas'.

He said: "Other than in a limited functional way, these statistics don't measure the work schools do to prepare students to take their place in society as good, knowledgeable and committed citizens.

"They can't measure the good relationships that exist within schools and the work that has gone on to build them."

The head teacher of St Gregory's High School, Paul Heitzman, adds that the league tables are not a true reflection of the results as they only take into account a pupil's first entry exam.

He said: "The actual results for St Gregory's for last summer were higher with 71 per cent of pupils achieving five A* to C grades including English and maths.

"I believe this would have put us at the top."

To view the league tables in full click here.

EDUCATION chiefs at the council say they will continue to provide targeted support to secondary schools that scored poorly in the national league tables.

The data, which was published by the Department for Education, ranks schools in terms of their exam results.

A spokesman said: “Performance measures released this week showed overall really positive outcomes for Warrington students, over and above the national average, and it’s really important we recognise and celebrate the achievements of our children and young people.

“The council takes seriously its role as champion for children and young people and continues to review outcomes for all pupils attending Warrington schools including maintained schools or academies taking a 'status neutral' approach in terms of support and challenge. 

 “Through strong partnership work across the family of Warrington schools and the council we are developing effective sector led peer to peer support - working together, sharing best practice and challenging each other so that all pupils can achieve their goals. 

“We recognise of course some school outcomes need to improve and a range of targeted support and resource is being made available where appropriate ”