Newham’s schools are celebrating their best ever GCSE results with the increase in the number of pupils achieving A*- C grades well above the local authority average.

Provisional GCSE results have improved for the eighth year in a row and represent the biggest annual rise since 2004. 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 52 per cent in 2010 to 58 per cent this year, which exceeds this year’s local authority target of 55 per cent.

Eight out of the borough’s 15 secondary schools exceeded their target, by between two and 19 per cent these schools included Brampton Manor, Cumberland, Eastlea, Kingsford, Little Ilford, Plashet, Rokeby and St Bonaventure’s.

At Kingsford School in Beckton, 62.5 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C GCSEs or equivalents including English and Maths, an increase of 17 per cent compared to 2010.

Cumberland School saw its GCSE A* - C grades increase by 14 to 52 per cent and Eastlea School was the most improved school in the borough this year with a 20 per cent increase in students achieving 5 or more A* to C grades including English and Maths.

Lister and Plashet Schools have also improved this year by between 11 and 14 per cent.

Rokeby School followed from last year’s success with 63 per cent of its pupils receiving grades A*-C in their GCSE exams.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, said: “Nearly 3,500 students opened envelopes containing their grades and for the eighth year in a row their results were better than ever before. That’s great. Many of our schools have done well and aree above the national average for the first time. Our youngsters have achieved as well or better than young people from far more privileged and wealthier areas. I congratulate all of them.”

Cllr Quintin Peppiatt, executive member for children and young people, said:

“I’m delighted that our schools continue to show improvement in their results over the years. It is a testament to the hard work of the borough’s head teachers, teachers and staff. It is lovely seeing so many excited faces and knowing that our pupils will go on to do some excellent things in the future. This is the real face of our young people.”