THREE Dorset schools have been recognised in this year’s Parent Power Guide written by The Sunday Times.

The UK’s highest-achieving secondary schools are classed by post-pandemic examination results in England.

Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same town, local authority or nationally.

Canford School in Wimborne was ranked the 6th best independent school in the region.

Bournemouth School for Girls was voted the 7th top secondary state school in the Southwest with Parkstone becoming the tenth voted.

Ben Vessey, headmaster at Canford School said: "I am delighted that Canford has been recognised among the top schools in the south west for academic performance once again in this year's Parent Power guide.

“We are very proud of our pupils for everything they achieve across all areas of school life, supported by a fantastic team of staff, fulfilling our school vision for all to 'explore, express and excel'."

David Hallsworth, headteacher at Parkstone Grammar said: "We are delighted with the performance and application of our students who have experienced significant challenges within the education system over the last few years of their studies. 

"Huge congratulations must go to all students for their hard work and determination which has been recognised in these league tables. 

"The headline figures are impressive and their outstanding level of achievement has not been possible without the support of the excellent staff team who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students have the best opportunity to achieve their full potential."

Helen Davies, editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape continues to be challenging across both the state and independent sectors, and this is the first true assessment of post-pandemic exam results.

“We believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.

“The guide showcases academic excellence but also celebrates schools that may not be right at the top but are rising, innovating, and helping pupils flourish.

“This year Parent Power includes details on extracurricular clubs, wellbeing initiatives, and school lunch menus – chicken katsu seems to be the dish of the day.”