TEACHERS at schools and colleges in the area were jumping for joy this week after a string of fine league table results.

Archbishop Temple High in Fulwood, was dubbed the second most improved school in the country.

And students and staff at Runshaw College in Leyland also celebrated after coming top of the tree in Lancashire and 16th nationally.

Head of Archbishop Temple Gillian James said: "We've all worked very hard over the last few years to achieve the best for our students - though if there was a magic formula we'd have bottled it before now and become rich!" Mrs James was proud of her students' results which rose 35 per cent in four years - with a massive 65 per cent increase last year, on the previous year, alone.

The school had 22 pupils who gained 10 A-C grades including one high-flier who walked away with 10 passes at the top grade.

But Mrs James had a word for schools that had not done so well: "Many others who have not matched us, might feel their value is good and should be recognised. I look forward to tables that recognise this and not simply GCSE scores."

State comprehensive Hutton Grammar School also ranked highly in lists as did the areas colleges. Cardinal Newman College in Preston came in 8th in the North West with Preston College finishing four places lower.

But Runshaw College came out the pick of the bunch with students achieving a 100 per cent pass rate in 13 subjects including theatre studies, maths and music - and an overall A-level pass rate of nearly 96 per cent.

Admissions tutor Jim Smith said: "We're very proud of the results. Well done to all our staff and students - it's all systems go as we head for the next Millennium!"

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