THE girls did it again in East Lancashire, claiming the majority of the GCSE highest grades when results were released today.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar achieved its second best results on record, with an overall pass rate of 95.4 per cent, with 97 per cent of pupils achieving five or more passes at grades A* to C and 47 per cent gaining A* and As.

Twelve students, nine of who were girls, gained nine or more passes at grades A* and A, including Lauren Mannion, of Waterfoot, and Lynzee McShea, of Stacksteads, who both scooped eight A* grades, Nathan Shepherd, of Newchurch, who clocked up six A* and Jemma Cunliffe, of Bacup, and Sarah Hall, of Haslingden, who both achieved five A*.

Headmaster Martyn Morris said: "GCSE is not an easy ride, they have to work hard continuously at their coursework throughout their two years and we have high expectations of their final results."

Burnley St Hilda's girls had another record year with 74 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades, with 43 pupils earning themselves ten A* to C grades.

Two girls scooped ten A* or A grades, while Hannah Scott gained eight A* grades, two As and an A grade in A/S Level Maths.

Alder Grange High School, in Rawtenstall, celebrated a continued upward rise in its fortunes at GCSE with its best ever results, with 40 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades. Liz Hall clocked up three A* grades and six As while Year ten pupil Kelly Coleman took her German GCSE a year early and scored and A*.

Head Iain Hulland said: "These results are a wonderful reward for, and reflection of, the hard work and commitment of pupils and the professionalism, dedication and painstaking preparations by staff."

Fearns High School also clocked up their best results ever with every member of the top set maths class gaining a pass at A* to C grades - one year early.

Headteacher Neil Thornley said: "The results are our best ever and comfortably exceed the statutory targets set for us."

Four students from Haslingden High School - Thomas Bangay, Georgina Rawlinson, Harry Wilmers and Danny Wood - achieved 26 A* grades between them.

The school gained an overall pass rate of 97 per cent, with 54 per cent of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at A* to C grades, compared to 50 per cent last year.

Headteacher Nigel Jepson said: "I am absolutely delighted with the results." They are definitely the best ever results Haslingden High School has achieved."