TOWER College came top of the class in the GCSE league tables for schools in the borough, with Rainhill High placing as the highest state school.

The results, released on January 19, are based on the school’s individual Attainment 8 performances, which looks at the average achievement of pupils in up to eight qualifications, including English and maths.

This was implemented in 2016 by the government as a replacement to judging a school on what proportion of its pupils achieved five GCSEs at grade A* to C.

The new measures, known as Attainment 8 and Progress 8, have been adopted, with the latter looking at the schools' improvement year on year.

The list of schools in St Helens and their attainment 8 results from highest to lowest.

1.Tower College – 63.4

2.Rainhill High School – 55.7

3.Rainford High School – 55.3

4.De La Salle High School – 54

5.Cowley International College – 49.1

6.St Augustine’s Catholic High School– 47.6

7.Hope Academy – 47.3

8.St Cuthbert's Catholic High School – 47

9.Haydock High School – 45.7

10.The Sutton Academy – 44.8

11.St Helens College 14 to 16 Academy – 37.4

Rachel Oxley, principal at Tower College whose parents founded the school, said: “We are very proud of our 2016 class who were not only lovely hardworking pupils but also worked extremely hard in the studies, sporting and musical achievements and charitable causes.

“I think it is safe to credit the supportive parents who encourage their children to try their best and our small classes ensuring that each pupil gets the support they need.”