DORSET Schools league tables are out today and show a sharp drop in the number of pupils getting five good GCSE grades - but West Dorset Schools have held up well.

The percentage of pupils getting five A* to C grades at Beaminster School including English and maths actually went up from 54 per cent to 55 per cent and the school rose in its rankings, rated against other Dorset schools on A level points scored per candidate, from 23rd to 17th.

The percentage of Sir John Colfox School pupils getting five A* to C grades at GCSE English and maths fell 11 per cent from 64 to 53 per cent and it now ranks 21st in the Dorset Schools league - the same as last year.

The Woodroffe School in Lyme also fell with 66 per cent getting the benchmark grades, compared to 71 per cent last year and it now ranks 13th, down from ninth last year.