SCHOOLS in Bury have recorded a slight drop in the number of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades in “traditional” GCSE subjects, including English and maths.

The statistics showed for the first time how many pupils gained GCSEs, without equivalent qualifications, such as vocational subjects, being included.

When other qualifications are taken into account, Bury’s overall pass mark for five or more GCSEs stands at 62.1 per cent — the national average stands at 53.4 per cent.

When they are taken out, the pass rate falls to 59.5 per cent — the national rate is 49.2 per cent.

The figures were compiled after Education Secretary Michael Gove last year insisted schools should go back to basics.

The government figures do reveal the majority of pupils in Bury study “real” GCSEs.

Only Radcliffe Riverside failed to enter a pupil in the single science subjects, such as biology, chemistry or physics, although they did enter other GCSE science courses.

Ian Chambers, assistant director (learning) at Bury Council, said: “For the majority of Bury’s secondary schools, the data shows only a small drop in the percentage gaining five A*-Cs, including English and maths, while in some schools in other parts of the North West this drop is well over 10 per cent.

“Bury schools have sought to maintain a broad and balanced academic curriculum over the last few years at KS4 and have tended to avoid using other qualifications to GCSE to boost their league table position. These recently published figures bear this out.”

The figures have been published on the Department for Education website.

Mr Gove said: “By publishing this data we are giving parents the ability to choose the right school for their child.”