SCHOOLS in Runcorn and Widnes have produced mixed results in the latest education league tables.

While some schools achieved scores above the national average, others were ranked several points below.

The Key Stage 3 performance tables are broken down into percentage attainments in English, maths and science.

Across the country, the percentage of pupils achieving the expected level in Key Stage 3 English tests rose by 2% to 71%.

Performances in mathematics also improved with another 2% rise to 73%.

However, students are still under-performing in science tests with just 66% achieving the required standard.

Saints Peter and Paul RC High and Wade Deacon High, both in Widnes, achieved the best results in the borough.

Runcorn's best performing school was St Chad's RC High.

A council spokesman said: 'The information we have received regarding recent league tables is broadly in line with our expectations.

'We imagine that when we look at the results alongside other local authorities around this area, we expect to find in comparison, our performance will be very similar.'

Bankfield School in Widnes was below the national average in its scores for English, but triumphed in maths and science.

Halton High and the Grange Comprehensive in Runcorn performed poorly, failing to make the national average in any subject.

The average science score, for all schools in the borough, was 62% - 4% below the national average. In maths the figure 67% - 6% below average and in English 63% - 8% below the national average.