Hampshire pupils have recorded their best GCSE results, with 57% achieving the benchmark figure of five or more A*-C grades.

This is 7% above the national average and 1% up on last year. Schools in central Hampshire did particularly well, with Kings' School, Winchester and Thornden, Chandler's Ford, scoring 81% while Perin's, Alresford, which has just been awarded Sports College status, gained 79%.

Other high-achievers are Testbourne, Whitchurch, with a 20% increase to 77%,The Mountbatten, Romsey, with a record 75%, The Westgate, Winchester, 74%, Wyvern, Fair Oak, and Hounsdown, Totton, 72%; Wildern, Hedge End, 69%; Henry Beaufort, Winchester, 68% and Romsey, 65%.

Results from other schools include: Alderman Quilley, Eastleigh, 32%; Applemore College, Dibden Purlieu, 53%; Arnewood, New Milton, 63%; Burgate, Fordingbridge, 56%; Crestwood, Eastleigh, 49%; Hamble, 48%; Noadswood, Dibden Purlieu, 54%; Priestlands, Lymington, 59%; Swanmore, 63%; Test Valley, Stockbridge, 62%; Testwood, Totton, 49%; and Toynbee, Chandler's Ford, 57%.

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

"We aim to ensure all young people are given the opportunity to work to the best of their ability and these results again recognise this.

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