A school which a year ago had the worst GCSE pass rates in Epping Forest has seen a big improvement in results.

Roding Valley High School in Alderton Hill, Loughton, is the most improved school in the district for pupils achieving five A* to C grades at GCSE including English and maths.

Figures published by the Department for Education show the school's pass rate rose from 49 per cent to 63 per cent, beating its previous best of 57.

The school also exceeded the national average of 59.2 per cent and the Essex average of 60.5 per cent.

Roding Valley headteacher, Paul Banks, said: “We’re delighted with the results, and it reflects the hard work and efforts of the staff and pupils.

"The key things we have changed in the school are the marking process and the way we question the pupils.”

Teachers now hand work back to pupils with suggested improvements, which the students have to implement when the piece is re-submitted.

Teachers have also been asked to move towards questioning students in order that they find answers to problems, rather than being given solutions.

The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection listed the school as 'good', with outstanding pupil behaviour.

Davenant Foundation School has the highest pass rate for a state school in Essex, with 82 per cent of pupils reaching the level.

Headteacher Chris Seward said: “We’re absolutely delighted and it’s tribute to the hard work of students and staff who are now working hard for this year.

“The district as a whole has done very well which is great to see.”

King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy, in Broomstick Hall Road, Waltham Abbey, had the lowest pass rate. with 58 per cent of pupils reaching the standard.

Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College in Roding Lane, Chigwell, had the highest percentage with a total of 97 per cent.

Percentage GCSE pass rates for Epping Forest schools:

Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College in Roding Lane, Chigwell – 97

Chigwell School in High Road Chigwell – 93

Davenant Foundation School in Church Road, Loughton - 82

Braeside School in High Road, Buckhurst Hill - 74

West Hatch School in High Road, Chigwell - 70

St John’s C of E School in Bury Lane, Epping - 65

Roding Valley High School in Alderton Hill, Loughton – 63

King Harold Business & Enterprise Academy, Broomstick Hall Road, Waltham Abbey - 58