NEWCASTLE NOW ABOVE AVERAGE FOR GCSE RESULTS

4.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Apr 2009

Newcastle was recently named the second most improved local education authority in the country for sustained improvements to GCSE grades.

The Lib Dems vowed to make improved educational attainment a priority after taking control of the council in 2004 after years of under performance under Labour.

Five years on, the city's schools and students are demonstrating significantly improved attainment levels.

Newcastle is now performing above the national average after years of struggling at the bottom of the league tables.

It was particularly pleasing to learn that St Mary's, which is attended by many local children, achieved the highest GCSE pass rate in the city's history.

Councillor Doreen Huddart says: "As a council we are delighted to be able to support the hard work of students and staff.

"The Liberal Democrats are continuing to invest in new school buildings across the city, including a new campus for St Mary's similar to the upgrade to Heaton Manor."