A DUO from Northallerton College have scored among the top GCSE marks in the country.

They were in the list of highest achievers when the results were announced yesterday.

Thomas Hutchinson and Nicholas Lee, both 16, achieved one of the top five marks in the design and technology graphics exam. In all, Thomas notched up eight A*s and three As and Nicholas has six A* and four As.

Top of the class overall was Emma Lyle, 16, who gained A*s in all her 11 subjects.

The percentage of students achieving grades A* to C in five subjects rose by 2.5pc to 58pc and the boys' proportion went up by 7.5pc to more than 55pc. In lifelong learning, 72pc of students scored grades A* to C.

"These results are a marvellous return on the hard work invested by the students and staff," said principal Jennifer Slater.

GCSE results by students at Bedale High School are sending headteacher Dr John Critchlow into retirement on a happy note. A third of candidates got an A or A* in at least one subject and Dr Critchlow said: "That is a record and something we are really pleased about."

Notable results came from Lee Finch (seven A*s, three As), Hannah Dawson (three A*s, six As), Emma Falshaw (two A*s, seven As), Lucy Williams (two A*s, seven As), Suzannah Brown (three A*s, six As) and Chris Sheppard (seven A*s, one A). Dr Critchlow, who retires soon after 18 years, said: "The students have really done me proud. It is the best retirement present I could have had."

An improvement of 3pc in grades A* to C was reported at Wensleydale School, Leyburn, where 89 students took GCSEs.

Headteacher David Eaton said 100pc of students who sat examinations achieved at least five A* to G grades. Fifty-one students, or 57.30pc, achieved at least five A* to C grades, a 3pc increase on last year's results.

Claudia Carter-Pike gained six A* and three A grades,and Leanne Musgrave four A* and five A grades.

Mr Eaton said: "The students and staff can be proud of their achievements this year."

At Risedale Community College, Catterick Garrison, several students gaining ten or more passes at grades A to C.