I CONGRATULATE all South-ampton students for their excellent GCSE results. They should be proud of their achievements.

Thanks must also go to the head teachers, the staff and parents who have made such great efforts to help improve the grades of their students.

The former Cabinet member, Councillor Ann Milton, worked hard to help schools, and she should also be thanked for her contributions.

Good as these results are, they must be viewed as a stepping-stone to reaching the next level to which all of our schools must aspire.

These results show that Southampton schools can obtain results with the best.

COUNCILLOR PETER BAILLIE, Cabinet member for children's services and learning, Southampton City Council.