NORTH Yorkshire has been ranked in the top 15 per cent of authorities nationally for GCSE results.

Provisional figures published on Thursday (October 12) by the Department for Education show that the county scores strongly across a range of attainment measures, including the new grading for English and maths.

Under new gradings for English language and literature and in maths, where 9 is equivalent to A* and above, nearly 50 per cent of North Yorkshire’s pupils gained a strong 9 to 5 pass compared to 40 per cent for Yorkshire and the Humber and 42 per cent nationally.

More than 70 per cent of the county’s students attained a standard 9-4 pass in English and Maths compared to 63.5 per cent nationally.

North Yorkshire also came first in the region in the new Attainment 8 and progress 8 measures - which include GCSE scores and progress scores from across the curriculum.

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s executive member for schools said: “This success reflects the very strong teaching in North Yorkshire schools, the partnership between schools, the county council, teaching school alliances and the diocese as well as the strong partnership with parents and families.

“These results reflect North Yorkshire’s determination that all students can meet their full potential and that our schools continue to offer excellence and a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum.”