Dorset schools are winners in league tables (From Dorset Echo)

Dorset schools are winners in league tables

SCHOOLS across Dorset and Hampshire are celebrating huge leaps in GCSE results following the publication of secondary school league tables.

Dorset schools are winners in league tables

The government has revealed the percentage of pupils achieving at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C, including maths and English.

In Poole there was an average of 56.5 per cent, in Hampshire 55.4, in Dorset 54.6 and in Bournemouth 51.5 Ashdown College of Technology recorded the biggest increase in the Daily Echo circulation area, leaping to 42 per cent from just 27 last year.

At the Grange in Christchurch, the figure jumped from 26 per cent to 40 and at Bishop of Winchester in Bournemouth the numbers leapt from 32 per cent to 44.

Avonbourne School in Bournemouth saw the numbers rise from 43 per cent to 54, Ferndown from 35 to 45 and the independent Moyles Court in Ringwood saw a dramatic rise from 56 to 100 per cent.

The other top results came from Bournemouth and Poole's grammar schools and independents school Talbot Heath, Bryanston and St Mary's, Shaftesbury, all 98 per cent or above.

Mark Stenton, head of the Grange, said: "At the Grange we are relentless in asking ourselves 'What can that child really achieve if we provide absolute excellence in education for them?' That simple philosophy works as shown by our results."

And Paul McKeown, head of the Bishop of Winchester, told the Echo: "What has been achieved has been down to the dedication of the staff and hard work and achievement of the students, who are a credit to their families and the school."

Acting head of Ashdown, Keith Newman praised staff and students and added: "It has been a team effort. We have adapted courses to suit the needs of our students and there have been additional classes."

Results across the area were a mixed bag with a number of schools showing a fall in the number of pupils reaching the standard.

Carter Community in Poole dropped from 42 per cent to 34, Lytchett Minster from 62 to 48, Corfe Hills from 66 to 56, Gryphon from 61 to 53 and Winton from 41 to 34.

The lowest results in the area were recorded at Rossmore Community College in Poole with just 17 per cent achieving five or more GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths.

Dorset county council's head of learning and school improvement John England said: "Once again, we are thrilled that the children of Dorset have performed so well in their exams.

"This reflects well on the county's schools and I'd like to commend all teachers and pupils for their hard work and commitment."

Cllr Tony Woodcock, Borough of Poole's cabinet portfolio holder for children's services, said: "I am delighted that schools in Poole have again been able to show improvements and that they compare so well with the national picture."

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