Taunton Queen's College ranked among England's best schools

This is the second time the school has been recognised in the top two per cent of schools by a national measure of the progress pupils make between the start of Year 10 and the completion of their GCSEs.

The latest figures show that, on average, pupils at the Taunton site achieved one full grade higher in every GCSE subject than their nationally benchmarked expectations, while the college's overall value-added score improved by a further 0.1 grades when compared with last year's data.

The recognition follows a strong set of GCSE results for Queen's College, which said it achieved the highest results in the Taunton and Wellington area. Almost half (49%) of all grades awarded were between 7 and 9, including 14% at Grade 9, while the overall pass rate stood at 98%.

The college said the accolade is particularly significant as it is a non-selective school, meaning pupils are admitted regardless of academic ability and arrive with a wide range of strengths, challenges and starting points.

Taunton Queen's College ranked among England's best schools

Rather than focusing solely on top grades, the measure assesses the progress pupils make during their time at the school and compares their performance with national expectations.

Pamela Pawley, deputy head academic at Queen's College, said: "These results are a tremendous achievement for our pupils and for the staff who work so hard to support them every day.

"On average, our pupils are achieving a full grade higher in every subject than their nationally benchmarked expectations.

"That doesn't happen by coincidence. It comes from excellent teaching, from teachers who really know the pupils in front of them, and from young people who work hard, respond to challenge and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

"To achieve this two years in succession, and to improve again this year, is something of which our whole school community should be immensely proud."