Heathfield Foundation College in Old Hill again excelled on GCSE results day - achieving its best ever pass rates.

Pupils at the Wrights Lane school scored a record 79 per cent pass rate at five A*-C grades, a seven per cent increase on last year’s results.

The school saw a similar increase in the pupils achieving A*-C grades in English and Maths, which topped out at 33 per cent.

High achievers included Stacey Bissell who gained 10 A*s and 4 As, Andrew Burchell who scooped 5 A*s and 9 As and Ben Taylor who scored 6 A*s and 10As.

Delighted principal John Parker described the reuslts as "outstanding".

He said: "Yet again the students have risen to the challenge and excelled.

"The year group as a whole have proved hard work from themselves and the teaching staff, supported by strong parental backing, will produce results."

Pupils at Perryfields High school also improved on last year’s figures with a 62 per cent pass rate at five A*-C grades, an increase of six per cent.

Five pupils at the Oldacre Road school achieved A or A* passes in 10 or more subjects, scores which headteacher Dai Meredith described as “really excellent”.

Mr Meredith added: "This has been a fantastic year for results right across the board. There has been an improvement in each of the last five years which is very pleasing.

"These results are better than anyone could have hoped for and I must thank the staff for their continued hard work.

“Results like this could not have been reached without the staff and pupils giving their all at all times."

At St Michael’s in Rowley Regis pass rates at five A*-C grades fell by four per cent on last year to 34 per cent.

Top of the class were Daniella Portman who scored two A*s and five As, Kathryn Ashman who gained one A* and four As and Scott Chambers who scooped one A* and five As.

Pass rates again went up across Sandwell borough, though the exact figures are yet to be confirmed.

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The schools have clearly responded to my challenge last year to break through the 50 per cent barrier.

"That was a figure that was unthinkable a few years ago and it just shows what can be achieved.

"Education is a priority of the council and this just shows we mean business.

"This is the seventh year that we have improved and we will have seen the average pass rate go from a lowly 28 per cent to almost double that which is unbelievable."