THIS morning thousands of children across the town found out their GCSE results.

Youngsters crowded into school halls and canteens from 9am to collect the white envelopes.

Borough wide, the number of pupils getting five A*s to C including English and maths has dropped by one per cent to 62.5 per cent.

The number getting five without English and maths was 84.8 per cent.

Clr Colin Froggatt, executive member for education in Warrington, said: "We are very pleased with all that our children have achieved this year."

And in many schools, the story was a positive one.

At Woolston High School, results for its last GCSE year were above target once more.

The school will now close to be replaced with special needs provision.

Head teacher Jill Robinson said: “It’s mixed emotions, but excellent results.

“Students have worked very hard, parents and the local community have been excellent support.

“We are absolutely delighted we have provided high standards of education and a high quality curriculum.”

Lysander High School in Padgate saw it’s best results, meaning it is set to become one of the most improved schools in the country.

They saw 58 per cent of students get 5 A to C’s including English and maths, a rise of 19 per cent on last year.

Deputy head teacher Drew Rolands said: “It’s not been an accident.

“We have put a massive amount of effort in to make sure we are providing a first class education.”

At Birchwood High School 53 per cent of pupils managed 5 A to C’s including English and maths, with 34 per cent getting A*s and A’s.

William Beamont High School in Orford also saw it’s best results, with 96 per cent of children getting 5 A* to C grades, 43 per cent including English and maths.

Head teacher Maggie Williams said: “This is a stunning set of exam results for the school. They thoroughly deserve this success.”

And at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School, results were also up. Forty eight per cent of students hit 5 A* to C’s with English and maths, a rise of 1 per cent on 2011.

Head teacher John Sharples said: “Our class of 2012 was an outstanding group of young people who contributed greatly to the life of the school.”

Nationally, GCSE results were down for the first time in 24 years.

Warrington Borough Council has yet to announce the overall pass rate for Warrington.