COUNCILLORS have congratulated GCSE and GNVQ students across Cheshire for improving the county’s exam pass rate in the authority’s final year.

A record 67.7 percent have achieved five or more A*-C grades compared to 64 percent last year.

There are still a few school results to collate but the county council says the new total is also thought to have exceeded the national average.

CheshireŠpupils attaining five or more A* to G grades has also increased, from 91.7% to 95.5%.

Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services David Rowlands said: “A remarkable result and a fine tribute to the last complete year of one of England’s leading Education Authorities.

He added: “My congratulations to everyone concerned. This tremendous achievement marks remarkable dedication and hard work from teachers and pupils.”

See The Chronicle for a full round up of GCSE results and photos of students celebrating