SCHOOLS in the Vale are celebrating after the publication of government performance league tables based on their GCSE and A-level results today.

Prince Henry's High School was named in the top 35 per cent of schools nationally and 12th in Worcestershire for its value added score, which measures improvements in pupils from key stage three, aged 14, to GCSE, aged 16.

The school's A level and AS level results also placed them 15th in the county.

Head teacher Bernard Roberts said: "We are delighted with our record. It is indicative of an overall upward trend and we are very proud of our students."

David Kelly, head teacher at Evesham High School, said he was delighted with the school's performance in the league tables after their best ever academic results last year.

The tables showed their value added score ranked them 21st in the county, while the average point score for their A level and AS level students placed them 25th in Worcestershire.

Mr Kelly said: "Examination statistics can only be short hand for the application, abilities and efforts of hundreds of students and staff, one dimension, albeit a very important one, of school life. It's fitting to congratulate our students who did so well and to expect even better from their successors."

Pershore High School came 26th in the county for their value added score and were ranked 21st in Worcestershire for their average A level and AS level point score.

Head teacher Clive Corbett said: "Over the last four years there has been a trend of ongoing improvement. We are pleased with what we have achieved so far but we know we have got more work to do still. We will continue to aim high and do our best for every youngster."

Worcestershire local education authority was 62nd in the country for the average number of students obtaining at least five GCSEs grades A* to C and 46th in the country for the average points score of it's A-level students.

Julien Kramer, director of educational services at Worcestershire County Council, said: "Our results have gone up for the last five years and they are above average.

"This is a plateau and could well relate to the dismal funding position we find ourselves in."