SCHOOLS across the region have reported record numbers of passes at GCSEs.

The national average for passes at A-C grade was 56.6 per cent, an increase of nine per cent on last year. That figure has been topped by many schools in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

At Hurworth School, near Darlington, staff and pupils were celebrating 58 per cent of pupils gaining five or more GSCEs at grades A-C.

But it is a more impressive achievement, as last year the pupils scored a 47 per cent rate of passes in that category.

Hurworth School head Eammon Farrar, said: "We are proud of our high standard of teaching and learning and I am over the moon with our results. They are outstanding."

In Richmond, North Yorkshire, the pass rate was even higher. Pupils at Richmond School scored the school's best ever rates. Nearly 70 per cent of students gained five or more GCSEs at grades A to C. The figure for last year was 62.9.

Headteacher Jim Jack said: "The school's best ever out-turns at these nationally determined levels are a great tribute to a fine group of young people, a dedicated team of staff in one of the busiest educational years we have known and the unwavering support given by parents and governors alike."

At Scarborough College, boys bucked the national trend, with 88 per cent passing five or more of the exams at grades A to C.

At Framwellgate School in Durham, 63.9 per cent of pupils were awarded grades of A to C in five or more subjects.

Austin McNamara, headteacher, said: "These results are testimony to the successful recipe of hard working pupils, good quality teaching and supportive parents."

Teesside High School also scored a top level of passes for its female pupils, where there was a 95 per cent overall pass rate at grades A to C. Hilary French, set to become headteacher next month, said: "This reinforces the message that single sex education delivers excellent results."

Local education authorities in Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough all reported improvements on last year's overall pass rates.

Pupils in Redcar and Cleveland had a 45.9 per cent pass rate at five or more GCSEs at A to C, Middlesbrough reported 31.8 per cent of pupils passing at those rates and Hartlepool saw 36 per cent of students gain A-C passes in five or more subjects.