Two North Norfolk high schools are leaving their rivals in the shade after some eye-catching efforts in the annual GCSE league tables.

Cromer High on Norwich Road was the 114th most improved school in England after the percentage of 16-year-olds getting five or more A*-C grades, including English and maths, leapt from 37pc in 2007 to 58pc in 2010.

And, apart from Wymondham College, Aylsham High on Sir William's Lane was the top performing state school in Norfolk, with 73pc of its student achieving the same 'gold standard'.

The efforts put both schools clear of the Norfolk average of 52.3pc and the national average of 53.1pc.

Cromer High headteacher Glyn Hambling said the school was not about to rest on its laurels. He said staff would continue to do their best for all pupils.

He said: 'While we are very pleased there has been lots of progress, we are also aware that we must look to do our best for our children year on year.'

Pointing to what had helped the school to achieve its improvement, he said: 'There are three key elements: strong departmental teaching, rigorous and confident mentoring of students and establishing a positive working ethos within the school. Part of our success is also down to the relationships we have with our community, and our cluster of schools, who help make the transition from school to school seamless.'

Speaking about what the school hoped to achieve in the future, Mr Hambling said: 'Developing children as independent learners. We want to look to the future and continue to have solid numeracy, literacy and communication skills, and develop the student's creativity.

'We hope to inspire young people to move on and to achieve.'

Aylsham High headteacher Duncan Spalding put their success down to old-fashioned virtues.

Mr Spalding said the figures confirmed an 'amazing year' for the school. He added: 'Seventy-six per cent of students achieved A*-C or better in both English and maths. Not only did they achieve C or above but they made excellent progress.'

He added: 'This set of results is down to the hard work and expertise of our teachers and support staff and the dogged determination, talent and focus of our students.

'The Aylsham cluster of schools is enjoying real success thanks to the close working relationship that exists between all schools across all phases.'