A LEIGH school has gained national recognition after being named as one of the most improved in the country.

Westleigh High School, on Westleigh Lane, was ranked as the number one community school and sevehth overall in a league table of the top 100 most improved secondary state schools in England.

The figures, released by the Department for Education last week and published in the Daily Telegraph, rank schools according to the percentage of pupils who gained five or more A* to C grades – including English and maths – in their GCSEs and equivalent qualifications in 2010 and 2013.

Head teacher John Banks said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of what has been happening at Westleigh High School over the past three years.

"The school has been focused on improving the standards achieved by all pupils with an emphasis on five A* to C with English and maths as well as the target for overall five A* to C and points scores.”

In 2013, 70 per cent of pupils at Westleigh achieved five A* to C grades including English and maths, compared to 35 per cent in 2010.

In maths, 75 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades which is above the provisional national figure of 71 per cent.

Mr Banks added: “The success that has been achieved would not be possible without the motivation of our students, the hard work and commitment of the staff and governors as well as the support of our parents.

“The three-way partnership of pupils, parents and teachers is the key to Westleigh High School’s success story. The school prides itself on providing an excellent education for all.”

View the table below or by clicking this link gcse table.docx.

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