PUPILS in Worcestershire schools are doing better than ever, it has been revealed.

GCSE results in state schools this year showed more than half the students achieved five or more passes at A* to C grade.

The Government has aimed for all schools to reach a 50 per cent pass rate at the top grades by next year. But league tables released today show the county has already achieved that, with an average pass rate of 51.96 per cent this summer - a rise from 48.2 per cent in 2000.

Julien Kramer, director of education at Worcestershire County Council, said he was pleased with pupils' achievements and they were a testament to the hard work of teachers.

"I'm absolutely thrilled at how well they've performed. They've pulled out all the stops for us," he said.

The top school in Worcestershire for GCSE results was independent Heathfield School in Kidderminster, which recorded a 100 per cent pass rate.

The King's School in Worcester scored 99 per cent. It also featured at the top of the A-level league tables.

"I know it's not been easy but these tables show that schools have risen fully to the challenge we have set them," said Estelle Morris, Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

"Schools across the country have made good progress this year."

n How did your school do: See P4/5