Braintree's council leader is calling for urgent investment into the town’s education.

Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, is lobbying Essex County Council for investment into resources at Braintree’s secondary schools, following their rankings in the GCSE league tables.

Alec Hunter Academy in Stubbs Lane was placed as 11th worst in Essex out of the 88 schools recorded for their results and the worst in the district.

Just 38 per cent of pupils at the school achieved five A*-Cs, including English and Maths - below the national minimum standard and last year’s 40 per cent.

Notley High School and Tabor Academy both suffered a drop in the GCSE results and are now just above the national minimum.

On average, 41 per cent of pupils attending Braintree secondary schools achieved the benchmark grades.

Mr Butland suggested the results would affect Braintree’s unemployment if action is not taken.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.