THE new measure of GCSE attainment has had a positive affect on exam results in Royston and surrounding areas. Schools league table positions had been based on how many pupils attained five good GCSE passes. But now two of the five must be at grade C or

THE new measure of GCSE attainment has had a positive affect on exam results in Royston and surrounding areas.

Schools' league table positions had been based on how many pupils attained five good GCSE passes.

But now two of the five must be at grade C or above in English and maths.

However, this did not have a negative effect on results in Crow country, because the number of pupils who achieved five grades A*-C including English and maths, was above the national average of 45.8 per cent, and in line with Hertfordshire's national average of 53.7 per cent.

Sixty per cent of students at Freman College in Buntingford achieved five grades A*-C including English and maths.

At A-level they exceeded the national average point score of 721.5, achieving a score of 806.5.

Headteacher Helen Loughran said: "We are really pleased with the results. We felt students worked hard, and as a school we are always ambitious to achieve.

"The results are a combination of students' hard work, and teachers who are committed to getting good results.

"Results may go up and down from year to year, but our main aim is to help individuals achieve their goals."

Fifty-one per cent of students at the Meridian School in Royston achieved five grades A*-C including English and maths, - down on last year's figures.

At A-level they were below the national average of 721.5, achieving a score of 675.4 - but the school had the largest number going to university for 12 years.

Headteacher Dr Michael Firth said: "We did not have such a strong academic year but pupils progressed very well during their time at the school.

"I think it is important whenever league tables are published to remember that we as a school do more than could ever be measured in a statistic."

David Lloyd, executive member for education, said: "These results reflect a lot of hard work by teachers and pupils and are reassuring for parents.

"Once again, Hertfordshire's attainment and progress are well above the national average."

In South Cambs 53 per cent of students at Bassingbourn Village College, and 59 per cent at Melbourn Village College achieved five grades A*-C including English and maths.

When the schools were given their overall point scores - contextual value added - a number of factors were taken into consideration, including, OfSTED reports, exam results, and pupil absences.

And once again schools in Crow country achieved an above-average score.

Scores across the country ranged from 919.2 to 1078.7.

Those on 1028.85 are in the top five per cent of schools nationally, but those on 972.83 are in the bottom five per cent.

- Schools in Crow country achieved the following scores:

Bassingbourn Village College: 1007.9

Meridian School: 1000.6

Melbourn Village College: 986.2

Freman College: 985.5