EARLY indications show that North Yorkshire students continue to perform above national averages at GCSE.

County Councillor Arthur Barker, executive member for schools, said: “Results so far this year show that the proportion of pupils achieving five passes at A* to C including English and maths GCSE will be over 65 per cent for the third year running.

"These excellent results are a tribute to the hard work of students and the dedication and quality of their teachers.”

The county’s strong performance at GCSE has over the years consistently placed North Yorkshire well within the top quarter of authorities nationally. Results in GCSE English and maths in North Yorkshire are both above the national averages and early indications show that North Yorkshire has bucked the national trend of falling results in English.

Schools had been warned to expect some volatility in results following an overhaul of the exam system including a switch to a greater emphasis on exams at the end of two years rather than coursework and modular units.

Cllr Barker added: “There has been a great deal of change in the exam system for students and teachers at this level and so these results are commendable. There is much for us to be proud of.”