Islington’s students have pulled clear of the national average in English, but suffered a drop in maths as their GCSE results were revealed yesterday.

Islington Gazette: Girls at Highbury Fields School hug after receiving their GCSE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine DavisonGirls at Highbury Fields School hug after receiving their GCSE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

The number of pupils across the borough achieving a grade 4 or better – equivalent to a C or better under the old system – rose by 2.5 per cent in English literature to 76.2 per cent, and is 3.7 percent higher than the national average. English language at grade 4 or better improved by 1.3pc to 72.8pc, also beating the national average.

But maths performances have dipped in line with a national decrease in the subject under the new grading system, with the number of students achieving a grade 4 or better dropping by 2.8pc to 68pc (and twopc below the national average).

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “After such hard work over the last two years, students can now look forward to the next stage – whether that’s starting A-levels, vocational qualifications or training.

“It’s also important to recognise the exceptional support provided by headteachers and teachers in our schools, and the wider family support network at home. The transformation in the performance of local schools in recent years has been extraordinary, and I congratulate everyone who has played a part.”

Islington Gazette: Abdus Shahid with his wife Tahera Begum and their daughter Sadia Shahid, centre, who achieved a 9 in Maths, a 9 in English Literature, an 8 in English Language, as well as 3 more A*s and 3 As, in her GCSE results at Highbury Fields School, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine DavisonAbdus Shahid with his wife Tahera Begum and their daughter Sadia Shahid, centre, who achieved a 9 in Maths, a 9 in English Literature, an 8 in English Language, as well as 3 more A*s and 3 As, in her GCSE results at Highbury Fields School, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Some 20.6pc of pupils gained a grade 7 or better in English literature – equivalent to A and A* grades under the old system and a rise of 2.5pc on 2016. For English language, 15.9pc of pupils gained a grade 7 or better, a rise of twopc.

The number of students achieving grades of 7 or better in maths improved by 0.6pc to 19pc.

Islington Gazette: Girls at Highbury Fields School with their GCSE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine DavisonGirls at Highbury Fields School with their GCSE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Islington Gazette: Students jump for joy at Highbury Fields School after receiving their GSCE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison.Students jump for joy at Highbury Fields School after receiving their GSCE results, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison. (Image: Catherine Davison)

Islington Gazette: A group of girls hug after receiving positive results in their GCSEs at Highbury Fields School, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine DavisonA group of girls hug after receiving positive results in their GCSEs at Highbury Fields School, on 24th August, 2017. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)