A school in Bushey has been ranked among the worst 200 in England for GCSE attainment, according to secondary league tables that were released today.

Only 30 per cent of students at the Bushey Academy achieved five or more A* to C GCSEs, including Maths and English, in the 2011 exams.

However the school, which is currently undergoing a £29million redevelopment, saw an increase of 9 per cent from the previous year’s results, and is happy with the progress.

Andy Hemmings, principal at the academy, said: “We are pleased with what our students have achieved - the year 11 students were very pleased with the results they got.

“The improvements this year are in line with the forecasts from when we took over from Bushey Hall.

“We are confidently expecting the results to go up again next year.”

In Hertfordshire 66.9 per cent of secondary school pupils achieved the five grades, compared to 58.2 per cent nationally.

Other schools in the area are celebrating today after finding themselves at the other end of the scale. At Watford Grammar School for Girls, 97 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C GCSEs, including maths and English. Helen Hyde, headmistress at the school, said: “I am delighted - they are all doing really well. The staff and students are working as hard as they can.

“I think this will be a huge encouragement to the girls.”

For league tables, click here, then choose correct location and 'secondary schools'