AN ABOVE average performance has been recorded by Hounslow school students in both their GCSE and A-level results in the latest league tables.

Statistics from the Department for Education showed 62 per cent of pupils in the borough achieved five or more GCSE A*-C grades including Maths and English, above the national average of 59 per cent for 2012.

It also revealed 83 per cent of Hounslow students attained three or more A-levels at A*-E, above the national average of 80 per cent.

The annual report for KS4 and KS5 achievements were published by the Department for Education last Wednesday (Jan 24).

The best performing school at GCSE level was St Mark's Catholic School in Hounslow, with 80 per cent of A*-C passes including Maths and English, followed by The Green School in Isleworth with 79 per cent, while Isleworth and Syon School for Boys only reached 40 per cent, an 11 per cent drop on the previous year.

Headteacher Paul Enright of St Mark's said: “We are absolutely delighted and fortunate to be in that position for several years now and it's a lot of commitment from students themselves. Secondly, fantastically supportive parents relied on through the ups and downs.

“And finally, staff who are prepared to go the extra mile and strong programmes to support revision and support people under achieving and get them back on track.”

Headteacher Euan Ferguson at Isleworth and Syon for Boys, said: “Primarily a result of government and examination boards changing the grade boundaries in English GCSEs and that for us had an impact of 15 per cent difference - clearly that was hugely significant. It hammers us boys schools as boys are still lagging behind girls in GCSEs.”

Biggest movers on a year-on-year comparison were Cranford Community College who improved results massively from 55 per cent in 2011 to 71 per cent in 2012.

However, worst performers were Gumley House RC Convent School in Isleworth where GCSE results plunged from 77 per cent in 2011 to 64 per cent in 2012.

The same girls school topped A-level results in the borough and 13 per cent received AAB grades, and 100 per cent passed with A*-E in three or more subjects.

The worst performers were Feltham Community College with only 37 per cent A*-E grades, and no students received AAB.

Headteacher Ewa Kolczynska at Gumley House said: “We are delighted that not only 100 per cent of our students passed their A levels but an impressive 70 per cent of all grades awarded were A*- B.

“The unexpected drop in the GCSE percentage was a result of the much publicised boundary changes implemented in June. All our students sat their English and Maths GCSE during that month and not in January hence the impact was considerable. We are waiting to hear the results of the legal challenge. It is essential for the future grades are comparable irrespective of the exam timing. We would have been at 90 per cent 5+ GCSEs A*- C if we had not been affected by the exam debacle.”