HAMPSHIRE schools have come out in the top quarter for performance in the past year.

The annual Ofsted report showed that 75 per cent of the county’s primary schools are either good or outstanding.

Commenting on the report, Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for children’s services, said: “I am pleased by the news that Hampshire is in the top quarter of local authorities in the table produced as part of Ofsted’s annual report on schools.

“With 75 per cent of primary schools in Hampshire local authority area either good or outstanding Hampshire is quite clearly the strongest large authority by this measure and one of the very best in the region.”

He added: “This demonstrates the quality of choice that parents have when seeking a school place in the county and is testimony to the hard work of teachers and staff from the county's improvement service.

“Hampshire County Council remains committed to driving up standards in schools and we are pleased to see we are doing so well.

“I congratulate schools on this positive news and while I am pleased by it I will be doing all in my power to support children’s services staff in the drive for still further improvement.

“The county council remains ambitious for all children, wanting them all to have access to high quality education.”