THE headteacher of an Evesham school has defended his school after government figures showed its results were 'below average.'

Recent government figures showed GCSE results at De Montfort School in Evesham were among the lowest in South Worcestershire.

But the school’s headteacher has stressed it has introduced changes to improve, and parents and pupils will see the impact.

Guy Nichols, headteacher at the school in Four Pools Road, said: “We have started a three-year Key Stage 4 options model.

“This means instead of students choosing their subjects in year 9, we allow them to select their options at the end of year 8. The students will begin learning those subjects at the beginning of year 9.

“The year 11 students this year are the first to start this. It will allow us to have the opportunity to show the evidence of the school improvements.

“Whenever you introduce changes it always takes time to see the impact. As this has been a three-year change the results will start to show now.

“The score is an encouraging improvement; however, it is nothing compared to what we are capable of.”

Speaking on the wider results for the county, Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for education and skills said: “Overall, the results released today regarding Key Stage 4 progress in Worcestershire is great news for the county and celebrates the continued hard work of our teachers and students.

"We will continue to work closely with all members of the school community to ensure that all pupils in the county continue to improve and are able to reach their full potential.”

Here is a list showing the South Worcestershire schools' Progress 8 scores.

The scores show how much progress pupils made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2.

This is based on results in up to eight qualifications, which include English, maths, sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and other additional approved qualifications.

Nunnery Wood High School, in Spetchley Road – well above average 0.57

Bishop Perowne CofE College in Merrimans Hill Road - above average 0.28

Prince Henry's High School, in Victoria Avenue, Evesham, scored 0.49

The Chantry School, in Martley - average 0.2

The Chase, in Geraldine Road, Malvern - average 0.12

Christopher Whitehead Language College, in Bromwich Road - average 0.12

Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, in Timberdine Avenue - average 0.01

Pershore High School in Station Road scored -0.03

Tudor Grange Academy, in Bilford Road - average -0.05

Hanley Castle High School, in Church End - average -0.13

Dyson Perrins CofE Academy, in Yates Hay Road, Malvern - average -0.13

New College Worcester, in Whittington Road - average -0.18

The De Montfort School, in Four Pools Road, Evesham scored below average -0.26

Read more: Launch of 2019 Worcestershire Education Awards

Reporter Grace Walton visits Worcestershire schools for the weekly In the Classroom feature.

Would your school like to be featured on our In the Classroom page? Call 01905 742257 or email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk