Most schools in the Bradford district have bucked the national trend by achieving improved GCSE results.

The achievement comes after the first national fall in the numbers of C or above grades for the first time in the exam’s 24-year history.

Early analysis of the results indicates that the percentage of the district’s pupils gaining five of more A*-C grades, including English and maths, has continued to rise, with some schools improving their pass rate by more than ten per cent.

Councillor Ralph Berry , the executive member for children’s services on Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that about two-thirds of our schools appear to have their best-ever results this year in terms of 5+A*-C including English and maths, the Government’s Gold Standard.

“ I would like to congratulate all the students on their achievements and thank all school staff and governors”

Cindy Peek, the Council’s deputy director of children’s services, added her congratulations but also said: “Bradford shares the concerns that have been raised on a national level about the drop in English results.”

Samuel Lister Academy in Cottingley was celebrating after 45 per cent of its students achieved A* to C including English and maths – an increase on 11 per cent on last year.

Principal Bec Treacher said: “These are the best results in several years and it’s a really good start for the new academy.”

Beckfoot School , Bingley , saw 71 per cent of its students hit five A* to Cs including English and maths – ten per cent higher than the school’s previous record.

Head teacher David Horn said: “Beckfoot is very proud of its magnificent students who have worked so hard for some amazing GCSE results this summer.”

Titus Salt School, Baildon , saw its best results as 61 per cent of pupils achieve A* to C including English and maths, up from 49 per cent last year, and 80.5 per cent achieved five A* to C overall, which was up from 75 per cent the previous year.

Meanwhile Bingley Grammar School head teacher Julia Wright said 79 per cent of students achieved five A* to Cs including English and maths.

She said: “These are the best results in the history of the school and a reflection of the hard work of our wonderful students.”

llkley Grammar School had 87 per cent of its students achieve five or more A* to C grades but head teacher Gillian James said she shared concerns about the marking of the English papers.

At St Mary’s School, Menston , head teacher Robert Pritchard praised some “outstanding” results after 90 per cent of pupils achieved five A* to C grades. “To have 90 per cent of students achieving five A* to C grades, including maths and English is a tremendous achievement,” he said.

Staff and pupils at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Otley , were also celebrating after record results as 92 per cents achieved five A8 to C grade.

The head teacher at Guiseley School, Paul Morrissey, said the “vast majority” of pupils had achieved five A* to C grades.

More than 50 per cent of Oakbank , Keighley , pupils achieved A*s to Cs including maths and English – a five per cent increase on last year.

South Craven School was one of the nation’s “most improved” school after students achieved 61 per cent five A* to C, including English and maths. Pupils at Holy Family Catholic School, Keighley, maintained last year’s results after its five A* to Cs with English and maths jumped from 46 per cent to 61 per cent.

Click here to see results and pictures from the district's schools as they come in