THE GCSE results of all students at the West Somerset College are being analysed and a significant number challenged after a dramatic drop in the number achieving the top benchmark grades. Just 38 per cent of the 265 teenagers who took GCSEs gained five or more A* to C, including English and maths, compared to 49 per cent last year. Nationally, 68.8 per cent of entries scored A* to C across all subjects but the college is unable to finalise its overall percentage until it knows the results of its challenges. Schools in England are currently ranked by the number of pupils gaining five A* to Cs, including the core subjects of English and maths and all schools are supposed to ensure at least 40 per cent of pupils make the target. College principal Gaynor Coomber admitted the results showed a decline and described 2014 as a "challenging" year. But she said there were many success stories within the headline figure, including 35 per cent of students who gained A or A* and 95 per cent achieving A* to C in one or more subjects. "We are in the process of analysing every student's result and working closely with our teaching staff and exam boards to challenge a number of results to ensure all our students gain grades that reflect their hard work, commitment and tenacity to achieving their targets," said Mrs Coomber. "The wide ranging changes at national level have had an impact on our overall headline figures. However, the college remains committed to providing the right type of qualifications for our broad and wholly comprehensive intake of students - some of which no longer count in the national league table measures." * At Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe a total of 64 per cent of students achieved five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths - up by one per cent on last year's figures - which headteacher Mark Griffin said put the school in the top 25 per cent nationally for progress made by students. Full report in the Free Press