A headteacher says his school can compete with the “very best” in the UK - state or private - as it features in a prestigious magazine list.

Peter Holding, who has been at the helm of Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School in Marlow since 1998, said it is “flattering” to be among the most desirable 25 state schools in the UK according to Tatler.

It is the second year running that Borlase has made the cut for staff at the high-end lifestyle magazine, and is the only school in Buckinghamshire listed.

Tatler writers spoke to parents, pupils and staff for the national listings, which are prefaced by the advice “do everything you can to get your children a place at one of these schools – you will not regret it”.

Dr Holding said: “It is very flattering to be featured by a national magazine in this way. We are very proud of the range of opportunities on offer at the school, and think we certainly are able to compete with the very best in the country – state or private.

“I’m especially delighted at the value the article places not only on extra-curricular opportunities, but upon our academic programmes.

“These are the core of what any school is about, and our students and teachers work incredibly hard to foster the culture of aspiration and celebration of achievement.”

In its coverage, Tatler quotes students on their experience of school life, with one saying: “People look up to intelligence here – it is cool. There is great academic camaraderie.”

Records tumbled last year as sixth formers achieved the school’s highest ever scores, with 83 per cent of all A Level exams awarded A* - B grades.

Borlase is home to 1,050 pupils, and was given academy status in 2011.

It was also granted specialist status as a performing arts college in 2005 and has its own theatre.

To see the list, visit www.tatler.com/news/articles/january-2015/the-tatler-guide-to-the-best-state-secondary-schools