The new GCSE grading system has helped state schools to close the gap on private schools, new figures have shown.

Results published today show a fall in the proportion of private school students achieving top grades, while the national average improved.

Education leaders last night said private schools should consider “dancing to the tune” of the state system as the national average for students achieving an A or 7 grade and above jumped from 19.8 per cent last year to 23.3 per cent this year.

The percentage of students at private schools achieving the same however declined from 62.9 per cent in 2017 to 62.6 per cent this year, according to figures published by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) today.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph last night, Sir Anthony Seldon, the former headmaster of Wellington College and vice-chancellor of Buckingham University, said: “I think the latest results - and the narrowing of the playing field - are rather striking. I think it is a reflection of a far greater focus in state schools on passing of exams and a sustained effort to drive up standards, which of course is very much down to Michael Gove.