A SCHOOL’S outstanding performance in last year's GCSEs has earned it national recognition for the progress of its pupils.

Ripon Grammar School has learned it is in the top ten per cent of state schools nationally based on its pupils' achievements on 2006.

More than 86 per cent of the school's GCSE grades last year were A*-B and 97 per cent were C or better. More than 99 per cent of students secured at least five A*-C grades and 97.5 per cent achieved the benchmark including mathematics and English.

Almost a third of pupils – or 32 out of 119 in last year's Year 11 – achieved at least ten A* or A grades.

As a result the school has now been awarded an Educational Outcomes Award by SSAT, the national schools, students and teachers network.

SSAT chief executive Sue Williamson told retiring head Martin Pearman: "Your constant hard work and dedication to your students is an inspiration to the community and we are happy to highlight and share this with the network.

"We know how hard teachers work to ensure the success of every child. SSAT's Educational Outcomes Award recognises the professionalism, commitment and hard work of the leaders, teachers and students at Ripon Grammar School. Our sincerest congratulations to you all."

Mr Pearman said: "It is heartening for our hard-working students, most of whom are still with us in the Sixth Form, and their teachers and support staff to be recognised nationally for their outstanding achievement."