A SCHOOL doomed to closure celebrated above average exam results.

And headteacher of the Thomas, Lord Audley School, Jonathan Tippett, said he still believes the school, where admissions are up for next year, should remain open.

Mr Tippett said he was delighted with TLA’s 57 per cent pass rate of five A to C, and 38 per cent including English and maths.

He added: “The five passes A to C has gone up 23 per cent in two years, and the five A to C passes including English and maths is up five per cent this year, 11 per cent over two years.

“And considering they want to close us down because they say we can’t achieve the national average of 30 per cent, we are feeling very pleased right now.

“Our numbers are up for next year, we are eight per cent over the national average for the results and things are looking good. We cannot understand it and I think it still needs looking into.”

In April, Essex County Council rubber-stamped its decision to close both this school and Alderman Blaxill, and turn Sir Charles Lucas School, Greenstead, into an academy.

But at Alderman Blaxill, only 21 per cent passed five GCSEs A to C with maths and English, with 45 per cent getting five A to C.

“We have a lot fewer children there now, as you know. It is frustrating as in every other area it has gone up,” added Mr Tippett.

But it was the only school in Colchester not to achieve the vital national benchmark of five passes A* to C including maths and English.