NATIONAL GCSE grades may have slipped for the first time in the exam’s history - but students at Neale-Wade Community College have bucked the trend.

The March secondary school has posted a seven per cent increase on last year’s results for pupils achieving five A*-C grades.

Three quarters of the school’s students managed five A*-C passes and 49 per cent achieved the Gold Standard, of five A*-Cs including English and Maths.

Principal Jason Wing said: “I am pleased with the progress that has been made especially considering the increased Government expectations and the raising of national benchmarks.

“This has resulted in a national decline in the number of students achieving a C grade or above and therefore makes the seven per cent increase even more pleasing.”

Neale-Wade’s English Language and Literature results also bucked the national trend - improving by eight per cent at a time when results across the country declined.

The school was placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors earlier this year, but parents have rallied behind former Olympian Mr Wing in his quest to turn things around.

Mr Wing said: “The college staff were aspirational for all students and dedicated additional time through revision sessions and Saturday morning lessons to give our Year 11 students the very best chances to be successful.

“Whilst celebrating these results it is important that we continue build on this success and strive for even better results in future.”