GCSE results across Worcestershire have dropped this year which, according to Worcestershire County Council, is due to the changes in the examination system.

Based on the submission of 27 of the 29 schools to take GCSEs across the county, the percentage of students achieving five or more A* to C grades in English and maths has dropped to 58.9 per cent.

This is a decrease of four per cent from last year’s score of 62.9 per cent.

The percentage of students achieving five A* to C grades in any subject has seen a bigger decrease of more than 13 per cent dropping to 70.1 per cent from to 84.2 per cent in 2013.

County councillor Liz Eyre, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Despite initial figures indicating a drop from the previous year in overall outcomes, it is good to hear that more than 70.1 per cent of the county’s students have risen to the challenge and achieved a great range of top marks.

“This outcome is a real reflection of the hard work of pupils and the dedication and support from teachers, families and those concerned.”