An 18 per cent rise in GCSE results over the past three years has earned an Oxfordshire secondary school a place on the Government's list of 100 most improved schools.

Performance tables published by the Department for Education revealed The Marlborough School in Woodstock increased the number of pupils gaining five GCSEs with grades from A* to C from 44 per cent in 1997 to 62 per cent this year.

At A-level, pupils gained an average point score of 13.5.

Bob Peterson, took over as acting headteacher this term, while Ed McConnell, is seconded to work on the reorganisation of Oxford's schools for a year.

Mr Peterson said: "We have come from a position of strength in the first place and we have moved it forward with a system of teaching and learning that is unique. We have excellent student teacher relationships. There is a mutual understanding of the expectations between teachers and students.

"We have an open door policy in our classrooms, which means teachers going into their colleagues' lessons and looking at each others' work. It generates a discussion about the craft of teaching. This does go on at other schools but not as much as here."

The school also has learning skills sessions from 3.30pm to 7pm taught in single sex groups which include supper and have been very successful.

**Oxfordshire's A-level results rose above the national average this year, while the county beat the national results for GCSEs again.