PUPILS who took their English Language GCSE exam early in Presteigne have achieved a 70 percent pass rate.

Year 11 pupils at Newtown High School’s John Beddoes Campus took the exams early to be able to concentrate on their English Literature exams.

The news follows the announcement that 70 percent achieved a pass rate of grades A* to C in maths.

The school has recently opened up the school stage or the first time in years and created a new area for pupils to work in.