A DROITWICH Spa headteacher says the new secondary school league tables provided him with few surprises.

Allan Foulds, of Droitwich Spa High School, spoke to the Advertiser about the government tables, published last Thursday.

They are based on results of last summer's GCSE and A-Level examinations and also look at truancy rates.

The tables showed 50 per cent of pupils at the Briar Mill School achieved five or more GCSEs at grade C or above.

They were about halfway down the league table for south Worcestershire, with some pass rates between 100 per cent and 23 per cent. Droitwich High performed similarly well at AS and A-Level.

Mr Foulds said: "The information contains few surprises.

"I am delighted with the achievement at GCSE level and beyond. The value-added figure from Key Stage Three to Key Stage Four indicates that the school is providing an effective education."

The table also looked at attendance levels at the school, reporting that only 0.3 per cent of half days missed were down to truancy. Across the county this varied between 0 per cent and 2.6 per cent.

"There is much to be proud of in terms of raised attendance levels and sixth form achievement," added Mr Foulds.

"What the league tables fail to describe is the endeavours of individual young learners. It is our responsibility to work at this level in order to provide the best possible education."

To view the league tables, visit www.dfes.co.uk