A MALVERN high school has been named the 17th best state comprehensive school in the country after achieving top A-level results.

Top marks for students at The Chase gained its place in the Government's list of top 50 comprehensive schools, published today.

In Worcestershire, The Chase was ranked 18th out of 47 secondary schools and colleges, with 62 per cent of its pupils achieving five or more GCSE grades A* to C.

The performance saw the Malvern school ranked on the Government's list of most improved schools in the country at GCSE, along with Worcester's Nunnery Wood High School.

David Fawbert, headteacher of The Chase, said the school had achieved eight per cent higher than its GCSE target set by Worcestershire LEA.

"We're pleased with how we've done but it's also important to look at what the individuals achieve while they're with us," he said.

Other high-ranking state schools include Haybridge High School, Hagley, which came 11th in Worcestershire and Prince Henry's High School, Evesham, at 15th.

But the top 10 places were all taken by the county's private schools, with The Alice Ottley School coming first with 100 per cent of its pupils achieving five or more GCSE grades A* to C.

Headteacher Morag Chapman today welcomed the news that The Tything school had performed so well.

"We're obviously delighted that we've come out so well in the tables," said Mrs Chapman.

"It shows that single-sex education is extremely successful.

"We were extremely pleased with our results in August and we put this down to the dedication of the girls, the teaching staff and the support of the parents."

At the other end of the table, Worcester's Elgar High School was ranked 44th with 16 per cent of its pupils gaining five or more GCSE grades A* to C.

"We're delighted with some of our results this year," said headteacher Dr Graham Watts. "We had some significant successes. In terms of individual results the school is continuing to add value to their potential."

WORCESTERSHIRE'S GCSE and A-level results were broadly in line with the national average this year, despite its schools being the fourth worst-funded in the country.

Worcestershire LEA's performance was ranked 63rd out of 150 authorities in England.

The 2000 Secondary Performance tables, published by the Department for Education and Employment today, reveal that the percentage of Worcestershire students achieving five or more GCSEs at A* to C has risen to 48.2 per cent from 47.9 in 1999 - the national average is 49.2 this year.

But the county's average A-level points score this year was down to 17.1 from 18.2 last year - compared to 18.5 nationally.

Julien Kramer, Worcestershire's director of educational services, said the results were a credible achievement for a county receiving one of the lowest levels of central funding for its education service.

"However, nobody in Worcestershire's education service is complacent and we will continue to review and improve the teaching and learning of our young people," he said.

"This year's results give us confidence that we are well on track to achieve Worcestershire's declared target of the amount of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE."

Worcester MP Mike Foster said the current league tables did not necessarily reflect what went on in classrooms.

"What is important to look at is value added tables that are produced," he said.

"Obviously, congratulations to the schools that have performed well. I've spoken to the headteachers already and we should always look at ways of continually improving."