HEAD teachers in Ryedale have praised the achievements of their students following the release of the latest Government league tables.

This year schools across the country have also been judged on a new measure, known as Progress 8 based on the progress pupils make from the end of primary school up to their results across eight GCSE subjects.

The Government has argued that Progress 8 is fairer because it takes students’ previous achievement into account, and recognises the results of all youngsters, not just those on the border of C and D grades.

On this measure, Lady Lumley’s in Pickering had an average score of 52, Malton School’s was 52.1, Norton College, 49.6 and Ryedale School 53.8. At A-level pupils gained an average points score of 27.37 at Lady Lumley’s, 28.83 at Malton School and 30.20 at Norton College.

Rob Williams, head teacher at Malton School, said: “This is a very pleasing set of results produced by students at Malton School: a good, positive Progress 8 score, showing the value added to the young people while with us, along with strong Attainment 8 and English and Maths outcomes, showing the high academic attainment of our students.

“I am very proud of what they have achieved, as I am of our sixth formers who again had excellent attainment and were successful in progressing on to their chosen university, apprenticeship or employment.

“When you consider that the final GCSE results achieved by our students were even better than shown in the table (our actual Progress 8 was 0.22), because the government only publishes the first attempt made by students at any exam, it has been another highly successful year for the school.”

Phil Loftus, head teacher at Norton College, said: “The performance tables show that Ryedale has three great sixth forms. From this year, schools are being judged by new measures, which take greater account of pupil progress. This presents a clearer picture of how well schools are performing.

“Naturally, we are proud that in 2016, Norton has topped both the A-level and Applied progress charts for Ryedale. The hard work of students and staff has been captured in these figures. Not surprisingly our sixth form is growing not just with students from Norton but with students who want to travel from beyond our catchment to study in such a brilliant sixth form.”

Mark McCandless, head teacher at Ryedale School, said: “The performance tables once again place Ryedale School as one of the highest performing schools in North Yorkshire. Our Progress 8 score places us within the top 10% of schools in the country. We are very proud of the significant achievements of our students and the hard work and dedication of our talented staff.

“We do not judge our performance against that of other schools, but rather against the aspirational targets we set for ourselves year upon year. However, it has been disappointing to hear of claims by others that they have achieved the best results in this area and that they are the best school locally. We want all schools in the Ryedale area and North Yorkshire to be great and we will celebrate their successes with them.

“Ryedale School will strive to continue to improve; not in order to be placed higher next year in the league tables, but rather to deliver the best educational provision we can so that our students continue to achieve outcomes in line with their potential.”