DORSET schools proved they are first class today after scooping a record-breaking performance in the GCSE league tables.

National statistics on the country's 150 education authorities published today reveal 56.4 per cent of Dorset pupils notched up at least five A*-C grades in last summer's GCSE exams. The results are the best on record for the county - smashing the national average of just 50 per cent.

The county's top performing school at GCSE was Dorchester's Thomas Hardye where 71 per cent of pupils passed five or more exams at grades A*-C. Principal Dr Iain Melvin said today: "League tables are a very blunt instrument by which to measure the success of schools. They are only one aspect of school life.

"We're delighted that pupils have achieved such high standards here, but I think parents are now becoming aware of the limitations of league tables in giving them the whole picture about a school."

Other high-flying schools in this year's tables include Twynham School which reached 69 per cent of five A*-C passes, while Lytchett Minster School and Sturminster Newton High School both scored 66 per cent.

Top of the league among Weymouth schools was All Saints where 60 per cent of pupils passed five GCSEs at the top grades.

The headteacher at All Saints, Tim Balmforth, said: "Clearly the county results as a whole are excellent and Dorset's rise in the national league tables is particularly good because as a county we are not as well funded as many others.

"Here at All Saints we are delighted with the achievements of students and staff in breaking the 60 per cent barrier for the first time - which is a milestone for the school.

"Having said that I am always cautious about these tables because they only measure one aspect of what we're about."

South Dorset MP Jim Knight - who sends both his children to schools in Weymouth - said the tables showed the high quality of schools in Dorset.

He said: "When I moved into the county I did not have any concerns about the quality of education in this patch - and yet I know from talks that some schools are struggling with the level of funding that Dorset gets.

"That means they are being forced to cut back on some of the extras schools in other areas enjoy. It is both unfair and wrong that children in Dorset miss out in this way."