GLOUCESTERSHIRE pupils have again excelled in their GCSE results, national statistics have shown.

The Government published its Achievement and Attainment tables yesterday and the county again above the national average.

The percentage of Gloucestershire pupils achieving at least five passes at grades A*-C including English and maths was 58, compared to the national average of 50.7 per cent.

Cllr Jackie Hall, Cabinet member for schools, said: "I would like to congratulate all the young people on their results. Most students in Gloucestershire are continuing to do very well. I am particularly pleased with how well our schools are performing in English and Maths. We are proud of our schools and staff and the hard work of children and grateful for the support of parents."

Jo Grills, Director of Learning & Development, said: "It is very pleasing that the number of young people achieving 5A*-G grades has increased and that we have made progress in narrowing the gap in achievement for the most vulnerable children".

The tables give GCSE and equivalent results for schools in the county. The tables include results for almost all of the qualifications which young people of this age can take, including GNVQs and other vocational qualifications, entry level, basic skills and key skills qualifications.

The Government publishes the tables on its website www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables/ . Results for schools and colleges in other areas can also be viewed on this site.