Eight Sussex schools are celebrating after making it into the top fifth of schools for progress, improvement or attainment.

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Midhurst Rother College, Millais School, Seaford Head College, St Paul’s Catholic College and The Academy in Selsey were all ranked in the top 20% of schools in terms of progress, according to a study carried out using data from the Department for Education.

The schools qualified by being in the top fifth of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage two results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16.

Lynton Golds, head teacher at Seaford Head School, said: “I was delighted to hear of Seaford Head’s recognition against other schools nationally.

“The staff and students work exceptionally hard to ensure only the best is achieved in all areas. I am very proud to be the head teacher of such a successful school.”

Millais School and St Paul’s are double winners, having also bagged a place in the top 20% for attainment alongside St Richard’s Catholic College and Bishop Luffa.

These awards are given to non-selective schools nationally for high average grades achieved by students.

The figures come off the back of an in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England by The School Network (SSAT) – the national schools’ membership organisation for improvement and collaboration.

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT, said of the schools: “They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students.

“There is so much good practice that these schools could share, and I hope many schools will join us at the celebration ceremony for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools.

“These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at the schools, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person.”

The criteria were based on all schools nationally, but only the 1,258 SSAT member schools were eligible to receive the awards.