A school has earned its place on a national roll of honour for helping pupils break free of the poverty trap.

St Bernard's High School in Milton Road, Westcliff, is listed among 50 British schools achieving excellent exam results despite some pupils coming from poor financial backgrounds.

The school was identified in a national newspaper survey, which was based on data from the Department of Education and Employment.

Previously, Government tables showed the poorer the parents were, the worse the exam results. But the new survey proved this is not always the case.

St Bernard's has more than a tenth of pupils on free school meals, yet last year 72 per cent gained five or more A* to C grade GCSE passes - a 36 per cent increase on passes from 1996-1999.

Headteacher Vicky Squirrell said: "We were delighted by our results.

"They were the result of good teaching, hard work from students and very supportive parents.

"Our emphasis is on high achievement for every student, students being happy in school and being involved in school life."

More than half the year nine pupils are working on Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Miss Squirrell added that some pupils did not eat before they came to school, due to lifestyle more than poverty, so the school canteen is now open for breakfast.

Class performers - St Bernard's headteacher Vicky Squirrell and year seven pupils

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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