HIGH schools in Wolverley and Bewdley have massively improved English test scores for 13 and 14-year-olds but Kiddermin-ster pupils' achievements are down on last year.

Pupils hitting the required level of achievement in English at Wolverley High and Bewdley High rocketed by 18 and 17 per cent respectively - the biggest increases in Wyre Forest - during 2004.

Maths scores were up by 10 per cent at Bewdley, which also boosted scores in science during the key stage three tests, for which the final figures have just been released.

Both schools also improved their average point scores, Wolverley notching 33.3 and Bewdley gaining 35.5. A score of 35 means pupils mostly achieved the required level five or six.

Wolverley head, Kevin O'Regan, said: "The middle schools need to be congratulated because they have the children for two years. We have them for two terms."

He harboured some doubts though. "Nationally, key stage three marking in English has been extremely unreliable," he said.

The news was not as good for Kidderminster's King Charles I and Baxter College.

After notable successes for last year's GCSE exams, King Charles saw pupils reaching or exceeding the required level five fall by four, four and seven per cent respectively in English, maths and science.

Baxter College failed to continue its run of good results with nine, six and six per cent drops in the core subjects. The average pupil point score also fell.

All schools except Baxter College exceeded 100 points for progress made between key stage two, when pupils are 10 or 11, and three. Scores above 100 represent schools where pupils, on average, made more progress than similar pupils nationally.

Pupils reaching the expected level in maths and science improved slightly at Stourport High but English dropped by eight per cent. The average pupil score fell slightly.

There were mixed results for high schools outside Wyre Forest which take on district children. Hagley RC High boosted scores in maths and English but Haybridge High recorded a three per cent drop in the average point score - the biggest drop among the seven high schools.

Scores fell by five, three and eight per cent in English, maths and science at the school.