Figures released today by the Department for Education show that 59.3 per cent of Wiltshire students in state-funded schools achieved at least 5 A*-C GCSEs or equivalent including both English and maths at GCSE compared to 58.8 per cent nationally.

The percentage of pupils achieving five or more good grades (A*-C) in any subjects has risen by 3.6 per cent from 2011 to 78.7 per cent, representing Wiltshire’s highest ever performance.

The majority of students made at least expected progress in both English and maths in their time at secondary school. With 70.7 per cent making at least the expected progress in maths while 66.7 per cent made at least the expected progress in English.

Performance across all Wiltshire schools (including both academy and local authority maintained) ensures that all schools have performed above the national benchmark of 40 per cent achieving at least five A*-C, including English and maths GCSE, with a significant proportion performing well above this figure.

In the English Baccalaureate the proportion of young people gaining good GCSEs in a range of core subjects including English, maths, humanities, a language and at least two science GCSEs the achievement was 18.4 per cent and is in line with the England all school figure and 2.2 per cent higher than England state-funded schools.

The performance of students considered to be disadvantaged (these are students who are eligible for free school meals and looked after children) improved at Key Stage 4. Higher proportions of these students achieved A*-C GCSEs in English and maths and at least five A*-Cs GCSEs (or equivalents) including English and maths. Their performance rose by 2.6 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively on performance from 2011.

The performance tables for Post 16 students also show levels of attainment for learners studying Level 3, (GCE A’ Level or equivalent) above the England figures. With a 100 per cent of students studying these qualifications post 16 gaining at least one advanced level qualification with 84.8 per cent gaining at least three A’ levels at A* - E (including equivalent).

Cabinet member Lionel Grundy said: "Young people should be proud of their individual results. It is particularly pleasing to see those considered to be from a disadvantaged background have secured improved performance on previous years, giving them an effective base in their transition to further learning, training or work.”