HEXHAM’S Queen Elizabeth High School has retained its position as the North-East’s second best state secondary school.

According to a table of the top 10 ranked schools in Parent Power, The Sunday Times School Guide 2019, the Tynedale school was again second to only Durham Johnston Comprehensive School in the region.

Parent Power is acknowledged as one of the best indicators of the country’s best schools, with the rankings determined by the percentage of examination entries gaining A* to B grades at A-Level and the percentage of entries returning either 7 to 9, or A* and A, grades at GCSE in the summer.

Head of school, James Andriot, said: “This is another pleasing affirmation that GCSE and A-Level students did so well in their exams last summer.

“As I said at that time, results offer opportunities for the future, so it is good to know that we are highly ranked in this regard.

“I am grateful once again for the hard work and commitment of students, colleagues and parents, all of whom contributed to our success.”

While Queen Elizabeth remained second in the North-East, it dropped 15 places to 163rd nationally.