GODOLPHIN has been named Southwest Independent School of the Year by the Sunday Times, and both the city's grammar schools also made the top ten.

The girls school came sixth in the top ten independent schools in the region, but was chosen as school of the year because of a steep improvement in exam results, that saw it jump 107 places in the UK-wide league tables since last year.

At A-level, more than 85 per cent of all grades were at A* to B (up 14.6 per cent from last year), and GCSE results at A*/A rose from 59.8 per cent in 2017 to 64.7 per cent this year.

Godolphin's head teacher Emma Hattersley said the school was "thrilled" by the announcement, adding: “This award is testament to our phenomenal Godolphin community – it recognises our wonderful girls, dedicated staff and supportive parents and governors."

Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019 , said: “Godolphin is one of small number of schools which have moved dramatically in our rankings this year, demonstrating clearly how well the school has got to grips with the changes which have toughened up our public examination system."

In terms of state secondary schools, both South Wilts Grammar School and Bishop Wordsworth's School made the top ten in the South West.

South Wilts came fifth regionally, and 50th in the UK overall (up five places from 2017).

Head teacher Michele Chilcott said: "We were pleased with the results and the progress shown at both GCSE and A Level by our students this year.

"The A Level results were an improvement on last year and show the dedication and hard work by staff and students.  The GCSE results were also pleasing,  especially as this is the first full year of the implementation of the new style GCSEs.

"These results are complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities and guidance relating to future careers and options."

But Bishop's, who came seventh in the South West, fell 16 places nationally, from 57th in 2017 to 73rd this year.