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Manchester's education chiefs today welcomed the news that the city's young people had beaten last year's GCSE results with 33 % of pupils getting 5 or more A* - C grades. This is a 10% increase on the results for 2000.

King David High School improved on their excellent 2000 performance by recording 98.8% of students achieving 5 A*-C grades which is the government benchmark of success.

David Johnston, Manchester's Chief Education Officer, said: "These results reflect a real improvement in standards and achievement levels.

"This year we are beginning to see the real benefits of the Excellence in Cities programme which is targeting resources, support, and encouragement where they are needed."

Councillor Bernard Stone, Manchester's Executive Member for Education, said: " We congratulate all those pupils who worked so hard to get these results, as well as all school staff, they can be justly proud of their achievements.

"Today's news marks a significant step forward with increasing numbers of our young people preparing to take their place in the world armed with qualifications and opportunities they deserve and we will be striving for even better results in the future."