An Oxford girls' school has been named the best independent school in the region.

Oxford High School for Girls was ranked first in the south east, and fourth in the country, in a league table of 500 private schools.

The Parent Power list, compiled by The Sunday Times newspaper, was based on A-level and GCSE results, and on value for money. The newspaper recommended the school as a first choice to parents selecting an independent school for their children.

The Belbroughton Road school, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, was the only girls' school nominated for the School of the Year.

The school offers 21 A-level subjects and has been consistently praised by inspectors.

More than 91 per cent of GCSE candidates at the school this year achieved A* or A grades, and 89 per cent of A-level students achieved A or B grades.

Magdalen College School, in Iffley Road, Oxford, was listed 37th in the league table, with Headington School, Oxford, in 45th place, Tudor Hall School, Wykham Park, Banbury, in 68th place, and St Edward's School, in Woodstock Road, Oxford, in 184th place.