Newham schools have done it again - GCSE pass rates have bucked the national trend and improved for the ninth year running.

The percentage of young people achieving five or more A* to C GCSEs or equivalents including English and Maths - the Government’s gold standard - rose from 59 per cent in 2011 to 62 per cent this year and this is a 15 per cent rise in overall performance since 2009.

Newham now has a third of its schools performing at above 70 per cent, with Little Ilford being the borough’s most improved school this year, seeing its GCSE results soar by 14 per cent from 57 per cent to 71 per cent.

Other schools whose results have significantly improved from last year include Langdon where 60 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C GCSEs or equivalents including English and Maths, an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2011.

Forest Gate School saw its GCSE A* - C grades increase by 7 per cent to 61 per cent, Sarah Bonnell saw its results also improve by 7 per cent to 63 per cent and St Bonaventures saw an 8 per cent increase from 66 per cent to 74 per cent of its pupils achieving top grades.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, said: “Our unique approach of working with our pupils, and investing in their futures and our schools has paid off with Newham bucking the national trend with for exam results.

“Our pupils have achieved some of the best grades in the country meaning that many of our schools will be above the national average.

“This proves that all students whatever their challenges can succeed and we want to continue to improve on these results year on year.”

Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, executive member for children and young people, said: “The borough’s head teachers, teachers and staff should be congratulated on all their hard work in supporting our young people to excel.

“Our schools continue to improve year on year and it is a testament to not only their hard work but that of all our pupils too. These young people have such bright futures ahead of them.”

Results: (all percentages);

School Level GCSE and Equivalent: 5+ A* to C English and Maths.

Local authority average 2011: 59 per cent: 2012: 62 per cent:

Brampton Manor School: 2011: 66 – 2012- 72;

Cumberland School : 53- 55;

Eastlea School: 55- 51;

Forest Gate Community: 54- 61;

Kingsford Community School 68- 64;

Langdon School: 48- 60;

Lister Community: 52-53;

Little Ilford School: 57- 71;

Plashet School: 73-74;

Rokeby School: 65- 50;

The Royal Docks Community School: 38- 42;

Sarah Bonnell School: 56- 63;

St Angela’s Ursuline School ( disputed): 79- 72;

St Bonaventure’s School: 66- 74;

Stratford School: 57- 62