Achievement: Sir Paul Grant praised his pupils after figures showed major improvements in GCSE results

Nearly half the secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham are among the best for improvements in their GCSEs, figures have revealed.

They are in the top 10 per cent of schools that have seen their GCSE results rise by at least 19 percentage points between 2008 and 2011, according to the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

Eastbury School in Hulse Avenue, Barking, was the most improved secondary as the proportion of its students who passed five or more A* to Cs with English and maths increased by 26 percentage points from 32 per cent to 58 per cent, SSAT said.

This was followed by Sydney Russell School in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, which saw its results soar by 25 percentage points, from 34 per cent to 59 per cent, the trust said.

Robert Clack in Gosfield Road, Dagenham, also improved, from 40 per cent to 62 per cent, according to figures compiled by the SSAT.

Robert Clack headteacher Paul Grant said: “It is very difficult to get significant improvement when starting from a high base with very large year groups.

“That is why the achievements of our young people and the superb teaching of our colleagues is so remarkable.

“During those four years the results went up significantly each year. At no stage did progress stand still.

“I am so pleased for our school community that they are getting this belated recognition.”

Meanwhile, Eastbrook School in Dagenham Road, Dagenham, saw its results increase from 27 per cent to 47 per cent.

SSAT chief executive Sue Williamson said: “Successful schools like Eastbrook Comprehensive understand the value of data, such as these progress measures, in helping to ensure all young people perform to the very best of their ability.

“The progress measures show how schools make a difference and raise achievement above expectations.”

Barking and Dagenham has nine secondary schools and one all-through special school, Trinity in Heathway, Dagenham.