Provisional results show GCSE pupils across the borough have performed better than the national average amidst fears over the new grading system for core subjects.

According to results from council-maintained mainstream schools, the proportion of students who received a standard pass (grade four) in both English and Maths is 82 per cent, compared to last year's 73 per cent across the borough.

So far in 2017, the proportion of pupils who achieved a strong pass (grade five or above) in both English and Maths is currently 65 per cent.

Cllr Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee, said: "Well done to all of our students collecting their GCSE results this year.

"This year’s results are the culmination of a great deal of hard work from pupils and school staff.

"Once again Barnet schools have performed extremely well and we are very proud of what they have achieved."

One school to achieve results surpassing the national averages for school was Copthall School, which saw 80 per cent of their grades marked at A* - C or nine – four, compared to 68 per cent nationally.

Assistant headteacher Andrew Beavis said: "I am so proud of every one of our students today.

"The results across all subjects have been fantastic and are a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our students, parents and staff.

"There was a real buzz of excitement as they opened their envelopes this morning and to see so many smiling faces of our successful young women reminds me what an amazing school Copthall is to work at!"