Top 50 Independent schools by A Level results I Top 50 State schools by A Level results I Top 50 schools by GCSE results

Given that grammar schools select pupils on academic ability and many independent schools do not (their main criteria is money), it is perhaps not surprising that grammar schools should have better average A-level scores.

Parents who might be anxiously considering, in the recession, a state education for their child instead of a private one can draw comfort that excellence in education is not the preserve of the independent sector. But this does mean that competition for places in England’s 164 state grammar schools will be tougher than ever, with thousands of children preparing to sit the 11-plus this month for a place. The problem for many parents is that, whereas sixth forms have no maximum numbers, grammar schools are not allowed to expand.

The best comprehensives have also had an increase in inquiries from parents who might otherwise go private. Last month in a survey of 150 councils by the Local Government Association 10 per cent reported that they had been contacted by fee-paying parents looking for places in state schools. Buckinghamshire, a grammar school county, has already had to find places for 130 children entering the state system.

The GCSE results overall show a healthy two percentage point increase in pupils with five good grades. After years of only minimal rises, this is a tribute, in most cases, to the hard work of pupils and staff.

Care is needed, however, in interpreting GCSE results for independent schools because many are abandoning the exam in favour of the tougher International GCSEs (IGCSEs), which are not included in the tables. This artificially deflates private schools’ GCSE scores, but is something the Government could easily remedy by accrediting the IGCSE.

The Government’s much vaunted claims for academies, look pretty thin, given that only about a third of their pupils have hit the Government’s targets.

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