MALVERN Girls' college pupils have recorded the highest A'Level scores in Worcestershire and put their school in the top 60 in the country.

The independent, fee-paying college scored an average of 104.5 points per A'Level examination entry, nearly 30 above the national average of 76.

The tables for last summer's exams were released this week after a delay caused by re-marking of papers.

MGC headteacher Philippa Leggate said she was "delighted" with the results and paid tribute to the hard work of pupils and staff. However, she said the league table position did not take individual pupils' levels of progress into account.

Second highest in the county was the Royal Grammar School, Worcester, with 98.5 points. It was closely followed by the independent St James's School, in West Malvern, whose 13 sixth-form girls scored an average of 98.2 points in last year's exams.

"This confirms St James's position as a centre for academic excellence," said sixth-form head Angie Fearnside.

The Chase scored 85.5, Hanley Castle High and Newent Community School 76.6, John Masefield 69.8, Dyson Perrins 65.2 and Bredon School 49.1.

Kevin Peck, headteacher at The Chase, said the performance was "a tremendous tribute to the work of staff, students and parents over the last couple of years".

He said: "It's a wonderful highlight for former headteacher David Fawbert to end his career on."

Chris Tweedale, headteacher at John Masefield High School, Ledbury, said the school was pleased with its results but that its points-per-pupil score would put it much higher up the tables. He said comparing like with like was very difficult because the tables did not supply sufficient information.

Dyson Perrins head Peter Buchanan said the school's score reflected its policy of letting everyone who wanted to have a go at A'Level. He said comparing results to potential would be a fairer way of assessing performance and that he was happy with the progress made by his pupils.

Bredon School's Peter Basten said the points score alone did not give an accurate assessment of its achievements. Just seven pupils sat A'Level exams last summer, one of whom had special educational needs.