HARD-WORKING pupils are celebrating another record-breaking year of top class GCSE results.

Teenagers from across the borough have been praised for their efforts, with some even beating their schools’ personal bests.

Nationally, results have improved yet again, with the biggest rise since 1990 in the number of GCSE exam entries awarded top grades.

This year 65.7% of the exams taken were awarded A*-C grades, a rise of 2.4% from 2007. The overall pass rate rose again to 98.4%.

Whitby High School’s top performers were Michael Salisbury and Rebecca McKay who notched up 10.5 and 11 GCSE passes respectively, all at A*/A grades.

Assistant headteacher Mrs German-Lloyd said: “We are very pleased with our pupils’ GCSE results. Both pupils and staff have worked hard to achieve these and we hope our pupils will have obtained what they need to enable them to move on to the next stage of their careers.”

At Ellesmere Port Catholic High the number of grades at A* or A was the highest in the school’s history at 18%.

More than 90% of pupils were awarded at least one grade C, 99.5% notched up five or more GCSEs at grade G or better, and over 99% of grades were passes.

Headteacher Peter Lee said: “There was amazing consistency of performance by youngsters across all subjects and great credit is due to teaching staff for their hard work in preparing our students so well.

“I thank parents for their support, particularly over the past two years, and we wish all our students further success as they move on to further studies here and at colleges or as they move into their working lives.”

Cheshire Oaks High School headteacher Lynne Fox said: “I am absolutely delighted with our results this year. We have, as always, achieved great results which reflect significant added value.

“Results at 5 A*-C continue to be excellent but most importantly we have the highest ever number of students who have achieved 5 A* - C grade including English and maths.

“In this area our results have increased by 100%, clearly reflecting the hard work of staff, students and our parents.”

Ellesmere Port Specialist School of Performing Arts’ outstanding pupils were Rebecca Lockhart (4A*, 5A), Georgina Caddy Wylde (2A*, 5 A, 2B) and Chelsea Bloodworth (2A*, 3A, 2B, 1C).

Departing headteacher Chris Needham said: “The school is extremely proud of its GCSE results this year, with 50% achieving five A-C grades overall – a fantastic result and well above target.

“Virtually everybody achieved at least one GCSE and 86% achieved five GCSE’s which is commendable and testament to the hard work of both the staff and pupils.

“After our best set of results ever I wish all the pupils and staff at the school all the best for the future.”