THE PETERSFIELD School (TPS) is top of the class locally and one of the highest performing schools in Hampshire.

That’s according to the latest school tables, with the Cranford Road school coming ahead of its selected East Hampshire counterparts in several categories.

The provisional 2018 secondary Key Stage 4 results show that Bohunt has the highest Progress 8 score in the district with the Liphook school and TPS boasting “above average” marks of 0.30 and 0.25, respectively.

That’s great news for both schools as the mark gives an indication of the progress children make between the end of primary and secondary education.

Amery Hill at Alton, Horndean Technology College (HTC) and Mill Chase Academy, in Bordon, recorded “average” scores of 0.12, -0.07 and -0.24, respectively, while Alton’s Eggar’s School got a below-average -0.33.

The Petersfield School came top of the East Hampshire table when it came to the percentage of students getting Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A total of 65 per cent made the grade followed by Bohunt (59), Eggar’s (51), Amery Hill (50), HTC (40) and Mill Chase (33).

Out of those schools, TPS also recorded the highest Attainment 8 score – another indication of pupil progress – and secured the highest English Baccalaureate average point score.

“We are exceptionally proud of the students in the class of 2018 for their record-breaking performance this summer,” said Principal Mark Marande.

“Following their hard work and dedication, more students than ever before from TPS are now embarking on their first choice of further education. 

“Our staff, governors and parents supported the students superbly as we’ve built a culture of exceptional student outcomes and the highest achievement here at TPS, and these performance tables are a testament to this.”

The Department for Education figures also show that Hampshire GCSE students exceeded the national average in all attainment measures.

The proportion of students awarded a Grade 4 or above in English and maths was 66.4 per cent in Hampshire, compared with 64.2 per cent nationally, while the proportion getting a “strong pass” of Grade 5 or higher in the two subjects was 45 per cent in the county, and 43.2 per cent nationally.

Hampshire also scored highly in the Attainment 8 figures as the county scored 47.0, compared with the national score of 46.5.

Executive member for education and skills, human resources and performance at Hampshire County Council Stephen Reid said huge credit was due to the students and their schools.

He said: “The standards achieved this summer were really positive and securely above the national average.”