PUPILS at Redbridge's secondary schools receive the third best education in the country.

And their development throughout their schooling has been deemed as second best nationwide.

The findings, released in the latest Government National Performance Tables, have been applauded by Redbridge councillors as "outstanding" and "marvellous".

Statistics show that 63.7 per cent of pupils in Redbridge schools achieved five or more A* to C passes at GCSE or GNVQ equivalent. This compares with the national average of just 51.5 per cent.

And in a new value added table, which measures the amount of progress pupils have made, Redbridge has fared even better, registering second in the country.

The valued added score measures the progress made from pupils' key stage 2 tests at the end of year six to the time they take their GCSEs or GNVQs.

Cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, Cllr Sue Nolan said: "This year they have performed even better with a truly outstanding value added score showing just how highly effective Redbridge schools are.

"I would like to congratulate all the teachers, school leaders, governors, parents and of course the pupils who have contributed to these magnificent achievements."

Among the highflyers in Redbridge was Bancroft's School in Woodford Green which was named 20th best independent school nationwide, and Woodford County High School which came 37th out of all the grammar schools in London.

The top 10 schools in the country for value added have also been published, and Loxford School of Science and Technology in Ilford came sixth nationally.

Five other schools in Redbridge Trinity, Woodbridge, Chadwell, Ilford Ursuline, and Valentines featured in the top 50 schools in improving performance.

Redbridge's Labour spokesman for education Cllr Richard Newcombe said: "This is a marvellous result for Redbridge schools. We knew that we were near the top on raw GCSE results but to be second in the country when value added data is included is excellent.

"It means that Redbridge secondary schools are excellent at improving the achievements of pupils from the time they join the school till their GCSE results."

The news has also been welcomed by Cllr Richard Hoskins, who is the Redbridge Lib Dem leader and chairman of governors at Woodbridge High School.

He told the Guardian: "These tables show how the high quality of teaching in our Redbridge schools has enabled pupils to raise their standards of achievement at GCSE.

"Our schools have done well by our pupils, and we should shout their achievements from the housetops."

January 30, 2003 11:00