SCORES of students from across East Lancashire have achieved top marks in the new GCSEs in what has been dubbed the biggest shake up of the system for a generation.

Traditional A* to G grades are being replaced by a new 9 to 1 scale, with exams regulator Ofqual predicting just two per cent of the country will achieve a 9 which is seen as higher than the previous A*.

This year English and maths are graded numerically while the rest of the subjects are marked under the old system.

Headteachers had feared students would be ‘guinea pigs’ for the new more challenging exams which have more content and less of a focus on coursework.

Nationally pass rates have fallen to 66.3 per cent, although many schools across the area recorded their best ever results and the majority saw students picking up a 9.

In Lancashire the pass rate was around 64 per cent.

At Pleckgate High School in Blackburn 19 students achieved the grade 9 in maths while eight achieved it in English Language and literature.

Overall, the percentage of students achieving C or equivalent or above in GCSE English and maths increased to 71 per cent - a rise of 10 per cent compared to last year.

Headteacher Mark Cocker said: “We are so pleased to have continued the strong trend of academic achievement at Pleckgate.

“We believe in the school philosophy of ‘aspire and believe, act and succeed’ and these results are testament to that shared vision.”

At St Christopher’s CE High School in Accrington more than 90 per cent gained a good pass in English and more than 80 per cent in maths.

Headteacher Richard Jones said: “At a time of considerable national uncertainty regarding the introduction of more rigorous and challenging GCSEs I am thrilled that our pupils have surpassed our high expectations.”

“Taken together the performance of the class of 2017 represent some of the best results in the school’s history.”

At Blessed Trinity RC College in Burnley a significant number of their pupils achieved top grades with six achieving a 9 in either English or maths.

Headteacher Phil Thompson said: “In the new maths and English GCSEs, where candidates achieved a Grade 1 to 9, our pupils have continued to perform well, with a number achieving the new super grade of 9.”

Shuttleworth College in Padiham also celebrated their best ever GCSE results with nearly 20 per cent getting a grade 7 to 9 in maths.

Headteacher Ruth England said: “This is a fantastic achievement particularly considering the challenges of the new examinations.”

At Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School in Blackburn 81 per cent achieved grades of 5 and above in English and Maths and 76 per cent achieved the English Baccalaureate.

Mufti Hamid Patel, chief executive of Tauheedul Education Trust, said: “These really are exceptional outcomes, particularly considering the incredibly challenging new exams this year.”

Meanwhile at Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School 93 per cent achieved a standard pass in English and maths.

Blackburn Central High School also saw a record number of top grades awarded.

Diane Atkinson, headteacher, said: “We have seen significant increases across a range of subjects. There are some spectacular success stories for individuals.

“This year we have seen our record number of top grades including the new grade 9.”

Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley also recorded its best GCSE results with a four per cent increase on last year and four students achieving the 9 grade in maths.

Headteacher David Burton said: “With the new grading and harder GCSEs, we are thrilled that the hard work of students and staff has been rewarded.”

At Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, 59 per cent of all grades were at A* and A or equivalent while 70 out of 151 students achieved eight or more A*s and As.

Headteacher Alan Porteous said: “We are proud of our Year 11 students who continue our record of high academic attainment in a year in which national changes to assessment have resulted in a tougher examination system.”

At Westholme School 34 per cent of students achieved A*s and As or equivalent with nine per cent achieving the top 9 grade.

Grade 9s were also achieved at Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School in Colne, Colne Primet Academy and Park High School, where seven grade 9s were awarded.

Three pupils at Mount Carmel RC High School in Accrington also achieved grade 9.

Xavier Bowers, headteacher, said: “It is very difficult, if not impossible, to make direct comparisons with previous years.

“However, our initial analysis does suggest that our pupils have made significant improvements in their achievement in maths and in particular English and in a number of other subjects where performance appears strong.”

At Haslingden High School a significant number also achieved a grade 9.

Headteacher Mark Jackson said: “We are delighted with our students’ achievements across the board, with a significant number of them achieving a grade 9, a higher grade than the current A*.”

Pendle Vale College saw its best ever results with more than half of students achieving five or more good passes including maths and English.

Headteacher Steve Wilson said: “The mood in Pendle Vale College is a very upbeat and celebratory after another year of incredibly pleasing results which have seen us continue our upward trajectory as a school.”

At Clitheroe Royal Grammar School the percentage of A* and equivalent grades was more than 33 per cent while more than 65 per cent of grades were awarded at A* and A with 20 students achieving eight or more A* grades and equivalent.

Headteacher Judith Child said it was an ‘outstanding achievement’.

At Hollins Technology College in Accrington, 56 per cent of pupils achieved a standard pass in both English and maths with some also achieving the top grade 9.

Headteacher Steve Campbell said: “It has been a challenge coming to grips with the new GCSE exams but I could not have asked for more from everyone concerned.”

At Accrington Academy, 53 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades or equivalent up from 45 per cent last year with grade 9s awarded to six pupils.

Grade 9s were awarded at Witton Park Academy in Blackburn and Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, where 70 per cent of students achieved a 4 or higher in maths and 64 per cent in English.

At Darwen Vale High School 65 per cent achieved grades 9 to 4.

At Our Lady and St John Catholic College in Blackburn, there was an increase in the number of pupils achieving five or more higher level passes.

Headteacher Peter Tite said: “We have increased the number of pupils achieving good passes in a year with an unprecedented number of changes to examinations.”

Coal Clough Academy in Burnley, a short-stay provider for youngsters who are not managing at a mainstream school, also saw 100 per cent pass rates in many subjects.

Holly Clarke, head of school, said: “With these results - the best results for the school - we are proud and overwhelmed with excitement for the future of the pupils and the school.”

Bowland High School in Grindleton also saw a higher proportion of pupils securing passes in English and maths.

Headteacher John Tarbox said: “There has been additional pressure of pupils and teachers this year, and these results are testament to the outstanding efforts of everyone involved.”

Students at Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall also achieved grade 9s with an overall 74 per cent gaining a grade 4 or above in maths and 70 per cent in English.

Meanwhile at Stonyhurst College half of the cohort achieved a 7 to 9 grade while overall 88 per cent of all subject results were A* to C while at Oakhill School the overall A* to C pass rate was 87 per cent - the second highest in the last five years.

Cllr Susie Charles, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “The results show that standards remain genuinely high in our schools despite the widespread changes in marking and the curriculum.”