SARUM Academy has announced a significant drop in their GCSE results as the number of pupils gaining five A* to C grades including English and maths fell from 51 to 32 per cent.

The school blamed the drop on the first phase of school reforms put in place by former education secretary Michael Gove.

Academy principal Ruth Johnson said: “We were disappointed at the drop in the headline exam result of five A* to C grades including English and maths.

“We were particularly concerned as our pupils had worked hard and performed very well across the two years of their GCSE course.”

The chairman of governors Canon Edward Probert said that the school had many pupils at the C/D borderline and were in the process of appealing the results.

He said: “There has been great volatility in GCSE results right across England this year, particularly in English, and to some extent also in maths.

“Sarum Academy has a high proportion of pupils at the C/D borderline.

“Examination board appeal processes are underway and we continue to endeavour to get the best possible outcome for all our pupils.

“We are also engaged in detailed analysis of what factors underlie the results.

“We will continue to work to give our pupils the best possible start in life.”