IT'S officially another record-breaking year for Hampshire's GCSE students who took their exams last summer.

They managed to break the county's previous record and the national average.

A total of 60 per cent of 16-year-olds in Hampshire schools, excluding special schools, achieved five or more A* to C grades in this year's exams.

The results are a one per cent increase on last year's figure and five per cent above the national average.

Provisional figures also show that 98 per cent of Hampshire pupils achieved one or more A* to G grades compared to 96 per cent nationally.

Hampshire's education boss Councillor Don Allen said: "The hard work and commitment given by pupils and teachers has been reflected once again in this year's results.

"Everyone involved with these young people's education can feel justly proud of the part they have played in this success story.

"On behalf of Hampshire County Council I am very pleased to congratulate pupils and teachers as well as wishing pupils the very best for their future."

County education officer Andrew Seber said: "The results show that high standards continue to be maintained in our schools.

"Pupils' achievements in their GCSE's continue to exceed their national average.

"We want all young people to enjoy learning and to achieve the recognition which results like these bring.

"I wish all 16-year-olds in Hampshire every success with their next step into further education or employment."

The best performing school in today's league table covering The Daily Echo's circulation area was Wildern School in Hedge End.

The 1,600 pupil school in Wildern Lane posted its best results ever with 86 per cent of pupils gaining the golden benchmark of five or more GCSEs, an increase of ten percentage points on last year.

At Hounsdown School not a single pupil failed their GCSE exams with a 100 per cent A-G pass rate.

Southampton City Council is due to publish its breakdown of GCSE results next week.