The number of students in North Tyneside who achieved five or more A* to C grades rose to 62.3 per cent.

St Thomas More RC High School came top in the borough, with 82.3 per cent of students getting five or more A* to C grades.

The school's success was enhanced with news that 16 students earned nine or more A and A* grades.

Headteacher at the school, John Marshall, is retiring after 19 years at the helm, and this year's set of results are his best ever.

He said: "These results are absolutely marvellous, the culmination of years of hard work."

Frances Grimes, a student at John Spence Community High School, was one of the top performers in the country.

In maths, Frances scored a perfect 600 out of a possible 600, which put her in the top five in the country for that subject.

Frances said: "It feels as good as it could do, I suppose.

"I just can't explain it.

"All the teachers are great, and all are very supportive all year long."

Headteacher for John Spence, Jim Stephenson, said Frances's ten A*s and perfect maths score was "unbelievable" and added that she was a very well rounded individual, as well as being one of the most successful academically in the country.

Speaking of John Spence's pass rate this year, Mr Stephenson said: "We're absolutely delighted about the results.

"GCSEs are not just about sitting an exam, it's two years of extremely hard work."

John Spence also recorded one of the best pass rates in the borough, with 76.6 per cent of their students getting five or more A* to C grades.

Mr Stephenson said this was down to the hard work of the students and the commitment of the teaching staff.

George Stephenson Community High School in Killingworth has recorded the highest increase on last year with a 20 per cent rise to 68.8 per cent of students recording five or more A*-C grades.

Coun Norma Redfearn, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: "It is fantastic that our schools and students have been able not only to maintain last year's massive increase, but also improve on it slightly.

"Today we are not only seeing tremendous GCSE results but also excellent achievement in the many vocational examinations that are proving so important in helping our young people to meet the needs of local employers and build very successful careers.

"Everyone should feel very proud of their hard work and commitment."