St Richard's claim a 'fantastic achievement'

Its position in the national school s GCSE league tables brought smiles to all at awards night.

With 71 per cent of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C, last years leavers made the college proud.

Principal Tony Campbell said: "We are tenth in East Sussex. I am pleased that St Richard s have beaten the 70 per cent mark again. This is a fantastic achievement for a comprehensive school."

Mr Campbell s speech reflected the achievements of the school at an individual level.

He said: "Our Catholic schools are indeed successful but they must not be drawn into the setting and measuring of targets and the ticking of sheets but must be concerned with the quality of life of everyone within the community."

In a Times national top 50 poll St Richard s is listed at No 20.