CLYDEBANK’S high schools are performing better than many in neighbouring Glasgow, according to the newest league tables.

The numbers show St Peter the Apostle High and Clydebank High with a better percentage of pupils getting three or more Highers than more than half of Glasgow schools.

All West Dunbartonshire secondary schools met their benchmark goal, a government target based on a “virtual” comparator for each school based on the socio-economic background of pupils.

They have also changed the analysis to be based on school leavers, not fifth year pupils as in previous years.

St Peter the Apostle had 49 per cent of pupils leave with three or more Highers while Clydebank High had 45 per cent. Their benchmark targets were 44 per cent in both cases, so they met their goals.

Knightswood Secondary saw 33 per cent of pupils get three or more Highers, below their 39 per cent benchmark. Drumchapel High had 20 per cent of school leavers with three or more Highers, meeting their benchmark. It was the lowest result in Glasgow.

Only five Glasgow schools had better percentages of pupils leaving with more Highers. All but one school in neighbouring East Dunbartonshire, with significantly less deprivation, were better than Clydebank’s secondaries.

The league tables were compiled by the Post’s sister paper, the Evening Times.

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “As a council we’re committed to raising attainment and closing the poverty related attainment gap between our pupils.

“We’re focused on ensuring that all of our pupils are fully supported to realise their potential and move into positive destinations beyond the classroom whether that is further education, training or employment.

“This year’s pass rate for Highers was 75 per cent with 98 per cent of our learners achieving a National Qualification and over 99 per cent gained unit awards.”

Liz Cameron, executive member for children, young people and lifelong learning, told the Post: “Over the last 10 years more and more young people are choosing to stay on at school.

“As a result they leave with more qualifications and skills and on to positive destinations.

“The increase in our staying on rates for S5/S6 has risen from 45 per cent in 2006 to almost 70 per cent of pupils and it’s clearly reaping the benefits for Glasgow’s young people.”