THERE were huge celebrations at Mill Chase Community School last Thursday, after pupils notched up record GCSE results.

Headteacher Tony Philpott said he was "extremely pleased with this year's examination results, which are our best results ever".

The school has continued its steady improvement, with 48 per cent of pupils gaining grades A* to C - up from 42 per cent last year, and 40 per cent the previous year.

Mr Philpott said that the results also demonstrated how much progress pupils were making during their time at Mill Chase.

"The students' 'value added' scores, which measure progress made at the school, are outstanding.

"The year group came into the school at age 11 in 1996 with only 30 per cent of them above the national average in verbal cognitive ability, which is closely related to GCSE performance. This is a very low entry level.

"However, this summer 48 per cent of them obtained five or more GCSE grades A* to C, only just below the national average.

"The average points score is 42, above the average, which last year was 39.

"Ninety-six per cent of the year group obtained at least one exam pass, again above the national average.

"We are also very pleased that we have exceeded all our target figures set by the school governors.

"All of the students should be congratulated on their hard work and I am thankful for the great support given by parents and the staff as a whole."

County education officer Andrew Seber also added his congratulations: "This year's GCSE results are once again testament to the hard work and commitment demonstrated by pupils at schools across Hampshire and I warmly congratulate them on their achievements.

"I would also like to thank our teachers, who have played a major part in this success story.

"Recognition must also go to parents who have provided a network of support to their children throughout their school careers.

"This is a proud day for all those involved in the education of these youngsters and I wish all Hampshire pupils the very best of luck with their next step into further education or employment."

At Bohunt School in Liphook the results were even better, with 70 per cent of pupils achieving Grade C or above. A quarter of GCSE grades were at A or A* with 68 per cent of pupils achieving five or more Grade C passes or above.

The school has found itself on the list of the top state schools in the country.

Headtacher Alan Taylor-Bennett said: "I am very pleased for the pupils - they deserve their successes."