THE Wirral school that taught current James Bond actor Daniel Craig has been named top in the country for boys studying GCSE drama. 

Hilbre High School Humanities College's status was confirmed in the Good Schools Guide. It followed a detailed analysis of the most recent examination results and designed to highlight consistently good teaching.

Chester-born Craig grew up in Wirral and attended Hilbre before finding fame in Hollywood blockbusters The Golden Compass, and Bond films Casino Royale and Skyfall.

The school interim principal Mark Bellamy said: "We are absolutely delighted to be acknowledged in this way for our excellence in drama.

"This is a very proud moment for Hilbre and we are sure it will inspire and encourage all pupils who are working toward their GCSEs." 

Cllr Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and family services, said: "This award highlights the incredible standard of teaching at Hilbre, which is achieving quite a name for itself in producing future stars of the creative arts.

"Wirral, as a whole, has produced some great actors, musicians, sporting heroes and politicians, and it's great that this tradition is continuing.

"Ensuring every child has the best possible start in life is one of our pledges for Vision 2020. An outstanding local education system is a pillar of achieving that aspiration."

Ralph Lucas, editor of The Good Schools Guide, said: "Our annual awards scheme is designed to recognise and reward excellence in teaching in every subject area at both GCSE and A Level or equivalent.

"Our awards give individual teachers and departments where teaching is at its very best the recognition they deserve."

Subject leaders Joanne Madden and Katie Pearce said: "It is a tribute to the many boys who have studied GCSE Drama and is a testament to their passion and commitment throughout their time at Hilbre.

"The boys’ enthusiasm, demonstrated in after school and weekend rehearsals, resulted in such outstanding grades and we are very proud.’

Five more famous faces from Wirral's past are:

  • Double Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson - who was born in Birkenhead, attended West Kirby Grammar School for Girls.
  • Former England Cricket Captain Ian Botham, who was born in Heswall
  • Legendary DJ John Peel, from Heswall
  • Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, former Head Boy at Wirral Grammar School for Boys
  • Musicians including The Coral, OMD, Elvis Costello, Half Man Half Biscuit, The Cult and The Beautiful South.

Among the current crop of stars are:

  • Bake Off star Paul Hollywood, who was born in Wallasey
  • Jack and Luke Patterson from the chart-topping band Clean Bandit, who were born in West Kirby and attended Calday Grange Grammar School
  • Celyn Jones, star of Dylan Thomas biopic Set Fire To The Stars 
  • Radio and TV presenter Paul O’Grady, who was born in Birkenhead
  • Forest Swords, influential dub step producer, who attended Calday Grange Grammar School