London: Asian students in Britain, particularly those with Indian roots, are pulling ahead of Whites in exam performance, latest official figures indicated on February 21.

For the first time, Asian children are set to move to the top of the class this year after drawing level in GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education, equivalent of SSC in India), results in 2002, a survey by the Department for Education and Skills said.

The pupils notched up the same GCSE success rate, with 52 per cent gaining five passes at Grades A-star to C. They are also improving at a faster rate.

The new figures also show how pupils from Indian families in particular are outshining all other ethnic groups, with 60 per cent gaining five good GCSEs. Their fine performance at GCSE will pave the way for success at A-level and university.

Eight per cent of Indian pupils attended independent schools, compared to just five per cent of Whites, the survey showed.

Education experts believe traditional family values and hard work are responsible for the outstanding school performance of young Asians.

PTI