A WOOD Green catholic school where the head stepped aside after an internet campaign by parents is celebrating after a leap in its GCSE results this year.

Just 32 per cent of St Thomas More pupils got the all important five A* to C grades, including English and maths, last year but the figure was up to 54 per cent when pupils received their grades yesterday.

The school faced a campaign to oust its former headteacher in July last year after pupils uploaded videos on Facebook of them drinking on school grounds, in Glendale Avenue, shoplifting and robbing a pizza delivery man.

Martin Tissot, who took over as acting headteacher after Dr Colm Hickey took leave for personal reasons in September, said: “St Thomas More is a great school, with a dedicated staff team and uniquely talented children.

“I am proud of our commitment to offer the best in Catholic education for every child whatever their background or starting point.”

Last year’s results heaped more pressure on the troubled school after they left it ranked on the Government’s list of those failing to make the grade.

St Thomas More is now comfortably out of that category, having scored well above the required 35 per cent for pupils getting five A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Councillor Pat Egan, the chair of governors, said: “I want to thank the headteacher and staff for all the hard work that went into securing such an improvement and wish to congratulate the students on their magnificent achievement.”

A statement released by Haringey Council at the time of Dr Hickey's departure said: "The headteacher of St Thomas More Catholic School, Dr Colm Hickey, requested a period of special leave for personal reasons - and the governors agreed to that request, having consulted the Westminster diocese and council."