THE percentage of students at the Thomas Clarkson Community College gaining higher level GCSEs is much higher than first thought. The Wisbech school said in August that the percentage of students gaining five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C this year had ris

THE percentage of students at the Thomas Clarkson Community College gaining higher level GCSEs is much higher than first thought.

The Wisbech school said in August that the percentage of students gaining five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C this year had risen from 21 per cent to 28 per cent, but the final figure is 35 per cent.

The figure has been revised because, when the information was first given out, the school did not have the results gained by students studying vocational courses at the College of West Anglia's Isle Campus.

All 13 of the Thomas Clarkson students who studied a Level 2 Course in Performing Engineering Operations at the college gained passes. In addition, four other students gained a Level 2 pass in a course called 'office'.

Both these courses are equivalent to at least five higher-level GCSE passes.

When the results gained by these students are incorporated into the whole school results, the overall pass rate rises to 35 per cent.

John Bennett, headteacher of Thomas Clarkson, formerly the Queen's School, said: "This demonstrates the enormous value of our link courses with the College of West Anglia.

"Our students have thrived on a challenging course, which has been taught very well by the college staff.

"Additionally, our students enjoy the different working environment provided by the college and this improves their interest in their work and their motivation to succeed at GCSE.

"It is my intention to continue to work with the college to provide such courses."

Cambridgeshire County Council leader, Councillor Shona Johnstone, said: "We've put support and investment into that school, we've worked hard, and we can see improved outcomes."

It was a long haul to revive the school but it had been "a very significant" past 12 months.

"I'm not saying it's perfect by no means; there's a long way to go. John Bennett recognises that and the local authority recognises that," she said.

"It's not just about academic achievements, it's about actually learning for life. If you can invest in that, not in five years' time but in 10, 20, 30 years' time, you'll seen an improvement.