BOROUGH education bosses have hailed Dudley schools the best in the Black Country following publication of today’s GCSE performance tables.

Overall figures which have been verified in tables released today (Thursday) show 53 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C GCSE grades including English and maths – with several borough schools achieving results well above the national average.

In Stourbridge - Oldswinford Hospital School achieved a 76 per cent pass rate for five or more GCSE grades A* to C including English and maths; and Redhill School achieved a 70 per cent pass rate.

Meanwhile Ellowes Hall Sports College in Lower Gornal and Windsor High School, Halesowen, both achieved 69 per cent.

Councillor Crumpton, Dudley’s cabinet member for children, libraries and lifelong learning, said: “Despite a turbulent year with many changes in assessment and examinations at GCSE level I’m delighted Dudley schools and pupils continue to do well.

“There have been huge changes in the way GCSEs are examined this year and this has had an effect on the results of many schools up and down the country.

“However, it should be recognised that we have the best performing schools in the Black Country and we should celebrate the hard work of our students and teaching staff.”