Cumbria’s schools are on course to record another good year of GCSE results.

Provisional data from 34 of the county’s 37 local authority maintained schools and academies indicates that around 57 per cent of students have achieved the national indicator of five or more A*-C grades (including maths and English) – the same figure as last year.

The number of passes of five or more A* – C grades (any subject) is up from 78 per cent in 2011 to 81.6 per cent this year.

It should be noted that these results are provisional and may be subject to revision.

Councillor Duncan Fairbairn, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “The county appears to have secured another good set of results that are testament to the dedication and hard work of students, teachers and parents across Cumbria.

“To maintain our standards is an impressive achievement and my congratulations go to all involved.

“As the local authority, we continue to strive to help improve educational standards for every pupil in the county, and identify how and where GCSE results can be improved.”

Julia Morrison, Cumbria County Council’s corporate director of children’s services, said: “Given the national picture reported today, it is good news that Cumbria’s schools are reporting similar percentages to last year of students gaining five or more A*-C grades including English and Mathematics.

“I know what a great deal of hard work has gone into achieving these results, from the students, staff, parents and carers. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the achievements of our young people – we should all be very proud of them.”