SCHOOL league tables have been greeted with mixed feelings in west Wiltshire where schools achieved some of their best results ever.

Many schools say it is time the tables took account of the achievements of pupils and not just look at exam grades.

There were celebrations at St Augustine's Catholic College in Trowbridge where figures place it among the top schools in the country.

Deputy headteacher Mike Woods, said: "We are very, very pleased. It is our best ever GCSE results. At 88 per cent we are the top comprehensive school in Wiltshire and 25th nationally out of all non selective schools which is a remarkable achievement."

Colin Kay, headteacher at Clarendon School, Trowbridge, said the tables did not show the complete picture.

He said: "Our students have done superbly but I don't want to comment specifically on our school.

"The league tables have really run their course now. They don't pay credit to students who are doing qualifications other GCSEs and its sad the Government does not recognise this."

Dr Pam Stoate, headteacher at George Ward School, Melksham, said: "League tables do focus our attention on results mattering, but concentrate on grade output without considering the level at input. The introduction of value added will make the system fairer."

She said the figures came as no surprise as pupil progress was closely monitored.

"The raw score hides some amazing achievements. Claire Cooke took 11 GCSEs and a GNVQ equivalent to two GCSEs, achieving six A*s, six As and a B.

Nigel Gilhespy, head teacher of Matravers School, Westbury, said : "I'm delighted with our position. We've achieved a target we have never been able to do before. For two years on the trot over 50 per cent of pupils have passed five or more GCSEs.

"We will not rest on our laurels and we hope to continue to hit higher targets in the future."

Peter Sanderson, deputy headteacher at the John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, said: "We are very pleased that the school achieved all the targets that we set.

"We are particularly pleased that our students have got the highest number of A* grades at GCSE that we have ever achieved.

"And we are also very pleased with the above national average percentage of pupils who achieved GCSE passes."

See the Wiltshire Times (issue November 23) for full league results.