FIGURES published this week show how students are performing at secondary schools in Chard and Crewkerne.

The latest tables show both schools in the area are meeting the minimum standards expected by getting 40% of pupils to achieve at least five A*-C GCSE grades, including English and maths.

Wadham School in Crewkerne saw 68% of its pupils achieving these grades – a 2% rise on last year.

Head teacher David Derbyshire said: “While we are really pleased with the results, for us its not just about where we are in the league table, it’s great to see so many of our students achieving their potential and the grades needed to go on to the next stage.

“We’re proud of all of our students for achieving what they are capable of, we’re always aiming to ensure their academic potential is reached and we’re just as proud of our students who achieved an E grade if that was their target, as we are of our students getting A*s and As.”

Holyrood Academy in Chard saw 48% of its pupils achieve the benchmark, a 1% drop on last year’s results but more students opted to take the English Baccalaureate.

Head teacher Martin Brook, who took over this month, said: “Looking at our predictions for results this summer, things are looking really positive, we’re optimistic and looking forward to getting some great results.”