THERE is some very good news in today’s school league tables.

It is genuinely heartening to read about the substantial improvements at several local secondary schools.

Winton Arts and Media College has become one of the best-performing non-selective schools in the area. Carter Community School is the second most improved in the country. And St Aldhelm’s Academy has also improved dramatically.

Those results are a tribute to teachers – who have one of the hardest and most important jobs there could be – and, of course, to the students.

The only thing that takes the shine off the story is the fallout from last year’s English GCSE grading controversy, which has led to some Dorset schools slipping down the league table.

Those results were devastating for many of the students concerned.

While some schools are feeling justly proud, the report card for exam officials should read “Could do better.”