GCSE RESULTS in Warrington are officially on the up.

Early indications show that more than 65 per cent of the town's 2,500 16-year-olds achieved five or more A* to C grades in an outstanding year.

Last year 61 per cent achieved the same - still four percentage points more than the national average.

This year 93 per cent of Warrington pupils achieved five or more GCSEs including English and maths - putting them three percentage points higher that the country's average.

And last year the town's GCSE performance ranked 18th out of 149 English Local Education Authorities for GCSE performances and second highest in the north west.

This year's position will not be known until mid November when GCSE performance league tables are published.

Councillor Sheila Woodyatt, executive member for children's services, said: "I would like to congratulate both school staff and pupils on successes this year.

"Warrington's performance continues to improve at a higher rate than other areas. Our 18th national ranking last year was an improvement from 24th place the previous year."