EXAM league tables reveal good news for many students as most schools in Halesowen and Oldbury report improved results.

But St Michaels’s CE High School in Rowley Regis has dropped below the Government’s 35 per cent threshold for pupils gaining at least five A*-C grades at GCSE, including maths and English, to 30 per cent.

The school, which lies next to the bottom of all Sandwell schools, also saw only 49 per cent of pupils gain five A*-C grades in all subjects, compared to other schools covered by the News whose percentages averaged in the early 80s.

Perryfield High School, Oldbury, ranked top in Sandwell - although the borough came in the bottom seven of local authorities nationally - with 64 per cent gaining at least five A*-Cs, including maths and English, and 88 per cent in all subjects.

Halesowen’s Earls High School is celebrating after improving its results from 47 per cent to 67 per cent gaining five or more A*-C GCSE grades, ranking it sixth in the borough and securing a pass rate in all subjects at the higher grades of 81 per cent.

Principal Tom Johnston said: “All staff and students should feel proud of what has been achieved , a real team effort including the support from parents.”

Windsor High School, Halesowen, was not far behind, lying eighth in Dudley with 64 per cent gaining five or more GCSE grades A*-C, including maths and English, and a massive 93 per cent in all subjects.

By contrast, the town’s other high school, Leasowes Community College, was fourth from the bottom of the Dudley league table with 44 per cent passing more than five GCSE grades A*-C, including maths and English, and 79 per cent in all subjects.

Oldbury College of Sport was ranked sixth in Sandwell with 46 per cent gaining at least five GCSE A* C grades, including maths and English, and 83 per cent in all subjects.

Cradley Heath’s Heathfield Technology College came ninth in the borough with 42 per cent passing five or more GCSE A*-C grades, including maths and English, and 85 per cent in all subjects.

Despite Sandwell’s low ranking nationally, the borough’s results are the best ever and were welcomed by cabinet member for children and families Councillor Bob Badham.