GCSE pass rates in Harrow continue to be well above the national average, according to new performance tables released on Thursday last week.

Results in Harrow continue to improve, with pupils achieving the borough's highest ever pass rate. 59.1 per cent of pupils in Harrow obtained five or more GCSEs at grade C or above in 2002, compared with 57.5 per cent in 2001 and an England average of 51.5 per cent.

In addition, 91.4 per cent of Harrow pupils gained five or more passes at grade G or above, compared with the England average of 88.9 per cent. The results place Harrow 13th in the league of Local Education Authorities in England for pupils achieving 5 grade Cs and above.

Harrow's schools also performed well in the new value added measurements, which show how pupils in different schools have made progress, firstly from the age of 11 to 14 years and then from Key Stage 3 Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) at 14 to the GCSE's at 16.

Students from Whitmore High School in Porlock Avenue, South Harrow, did so well in both catagories that the school was ranked 31st in the whole country.

Headteacher Peter Allan said: "We knew from figures published by OFSTEAD that we had done really well, but we did not realise quite how well. We are delighted that the tables confirm that Whitmore students make exceptional progress during their time at the school.

Cllr Bill Stephenson, porfolio holder for education, said: "This outstanding success is a testament to the commitment of the borough's excellent teaching and support staff and not least to the hardwork of its young people."

January 30, 2003 10:30