TRAFFORD students achieved higher than the national average in English and maths at GCSE this year.

With results from 17 of the borough's 18 schools in, 2016 saw more than 74 per cent of students achieving five or more A*-C grades, including English and Maths – the highest level ever achieved in Trafford.

Nationally, the percentage of A*-C grades in English fell to 60.2 per cent, but Trafford bucked the trend, with provisional data indicating an increase to 82.7 per cent at this level.

The percentage of A*-C grades awarded to Trafford students in maths increased to 79.2 per cent, again significantly above the national level.

Trafford’s executive member for children’s services, Cllr Michael Hyman, was delighted with this latest success.

“Trafford’s examination results are once again reinforcing the borough’s educational standing as among the country’s best,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate all our students on their achievements. This sustained excellence can only be achieved with hard work from students, teaching and other school staff, governors and parents. While we are all celebrating this year’s outstanding achievements, we are also committed to ensuring we don’t rest on our laurels.

“However, it is important to remember that educational success is about far more than just examination results. In Trafford we pride ourselves in our commitment to providing the best possible educational opportunities and experiences for every young person to thrive, develop and meet their individual potential.

“By enveloping them within this rounded approach to educational opportunities, we are helping them prepare in the best way possible for the working environment they will soon enter.”