Hampshire pupils have again shown they are top of the class, exceeding national standards in this year's GCSE exams by up to 30%.

Results published by the county council show that 56% of 16-year-olds achieved the benchmark figure of five or more A*-C grades, just over 6% above the national figure of 49.8%.

Thornden School, Chandler's Ford, maintained its high standards with 80%, closely followed by Perin's, Alresford and King's, Win- chester, with 77%. The two other city schools, Henry Beaufort and The Westgate, with 74% and Wyvern, Fair Oak, with 73%, beat the national average by nearly 25%.

Good results from other schools include The Romsey School, with 68%, The Mountbatten, Romsey, 61%: Test Valley, Stockbridge, 59%: Testbourne, Whitchurch, 54%: Toynbee, Chandler's Ford 55%: and Wildern, Hedge End, with 64%.

Don Allen, executive member for education, said: "These results once again reflect the hard work by pupils, teachers and those who support them in our schools."

County education officer, Andrew Seber added his congratulations. "I'm pleased that high standards are being maintained. We want to ensure all young people are given opportunities to work to the best of their abilities."

A spokesman stressed that the figures did not provide a full picture. "They do not take into account the progress each child makes. Nor do they reflect success in other areas, such as music, sport, the arts, or personal development."