On the day that Surrey County Council leader David Hodge met Education Secretary Michael Gove, Surrey was confirmed as being in the top-performing authorities at GCSE. Official figures showed that Surrey is in the top 20 education authorities in the country, with more than eight out of 10 pupils getting five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C. Mr Gove joined the Surrey leader at an event for Surrey school teachers in Woking.

Surrey County Council leader David Hodge said: "It was good to have the opportunity to catch up with the Education Secretary and outline our continued commitment to ensuring we unlock the excellence of every pupil.

"Surrey has some of the best state schools in the country and the fantastic GCSE results prove that. They are a reflection of pupils' dedication and effort and the work put in by everyone to motivate and support them."