A school placed in ‘special measures’ has recorded its best GCSE results.

Wheatley Park School, which was given the sanction by Ofsted in September, saw 59 per cent of its pupils gain five or more A* to C grades including maths and English.

That figure is up from 50 per cent last year and 42 per cent in 2006.

A total of 25 pupils also achieved eight or more A* or A grades.

In Didcot, St Birinus School is also toasting a record-breaking year.

Fifty-nine per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades including maths and English, up from 47 per cent last year.

Headteacher Chris Bryan, who retires later this month, said: “They promised to produce some of our best ever results to mark my retirement and they have exceeded all our expectations.

“Over 130 boys have achieved at least five top grades – including 20 students who were awarded at least 12 top grades.

“This is outstanding and is a tremendous tribute to the hard work, determination and commitment demonstrated by our students together with the support they have had from their teachers and parents.”