An academy in Bushey has been ranked the third highest performing school for value added measure in the county by the Department of Education.

School performance tables published last Thursday show that The Bushey Academy is also in the top 200 highest achieving schools in the country for value added measure, which is calculated by measuring the progress students make between arriving at the start of Year 7 and finishing Key Stage 4 study at the end of Year 11.

Principal Andrew Hemmings again credited the hard work and dedication of staff and students. He said: "As a comprehensive, local school for local children, we are very pleased to secure these successes for our community.

"Without the hard work of staff and students, and the support of parents and governors, these results simply would not be possible. Well done to all those who achieved so well."

The school also received a letter from David Laws, Minister of State for Schools, congratulating those involved on the "excellent performance" of the pupils after they ranked in the top 108 schools for progress of pupil premium pupils.

The letter said: "It is clear that you and your staff have provided your disadvantaged young people with a good start in adult life and a strong springboard into the next stage of their education, and the world of work.

"I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success, and thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement."

This announcement follows the recent Good status achieved in their latest Ofsted report.