SECONDARY schools look set to appeal their GCSE results after a slump in the number of pupil passes.

Stanway School confirmed this week only 58 per cent of pupils got five GCSEs in grade A* to C, including in maths and English.

Last year, 73 per cent of pupils achieved this.

Colchester Academy has still refused to disclose its results and Thomas Lord Audley School has not responded to the Gazette’s requests.

Year 11 pupils picked up their results on August 21.

The majority of schools in the Colchester area reported a drop in results.

Teachers blamed changes to the English exam midway through the course and have appealed over a number of borderline marks.

Scott Holder, co-headteacher at the Stanway School, said: “We are disappointed the headline figure, 58 per cent of students achieving five A* to C, including in English and maths, does not reflect the incredible hard work undertaken by our students and staff.

“We expect our headline figure to improve, as we intend to have a significant number of English papers remarked. We will, therefore, release final figures when these have been received.”

Mr Holder added: “Unfortunately, a small but significant minority of students seem to have been affected by the way in which English was assessed.

“This reflects the national picture, which shows a variation in results. Therefore, this has had an impact on the percentage of students who achieved both English and maths at C grade or above.”

Barry Hersom, principal at Colchester Academy, said: “I am sorry we have not been able to help in terms of a definitive number, but we still have some results outstanding.

“This has not caused a problem for the students, as we are able to provide post-16 providers with expected results.

“We have a number, but I cannot put a figure in the public domain which may prove wrong.

“After three years of good results, we are very disappointed with the results this year and will be submitting a number of appeals. It is clear the changes in the examination system have done our children no favours.

“Confirmed or not, I will publish a figure later this month for the benefit of parents making their secondary school choices.”

Miles Bacon, headteacher at Thurstable School, Tiptree, has also appealed some results after the pass rate dropped from 52 per cent to 47 per cent.

The Gilberd School, St Helena School, St Benedict’s College, Colchester High School, Tendring Technology College, East Bergholt High School and Harwich and Dovercourt High School also saw results dip.