NATIONALLY, the girls may have left the boys well behind, but one North Yorkshire school has reported a dead heat in the GCSE stakes.

Top-performing youngsters at Bedale High School defied national concerns over the poor showing of boys, when four were among the top eight places at the school.

Each of them achieved at least eight A or A* grades, gaining a total of 79 top grades between them.

However, the top position did go to a girl - Anne Melhuish, who achieved ten A* and two As, including an A in music taken when she was in Year Nine.

Overall, the school's students maintained high standards, with 62 per cent gaining at least five A* to C passes, and more than 80 per cent achieving at least one A* to C.

Headteacher John Critchlow said: "We are delighted by these results. They are a tremendous tribute to the hard work of the students and their teachers.

"Results like these prove that comprehensive schools can deliver for students of all abilities."