A COLLEGE has gained national recognition for the value it adds to enable students’ high achievement at GCSE.

St Paul’s Catholic College in Burgess Hill has been acknowledged as one of the best in the country for student progress and achievement at GCSE following analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England by SSAT, the national schools’ membership organisation for improvement and collaboration.

The school has qualified for two SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards by being in the top 20% of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between key stage two results at primary school and GCSE results at age 16, and in the top 20% nationally for high attainment.

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT, said: “St Paul’s Catholic College should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement.

“They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students.

“There is much good practice that that the school could share.

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

“I am proud this school is a member of the SSAT network.”

Headteacher Rob Carter said: “We are very proud to be recognised for exceptional results by the SSAT at GCSE.

“This has been built on outstanding achievement and attainment at GCSE and A-level which has led to St Paul’s being recognised amongst the top state schools nationally.

“I am sure we will continue to thrive by sustaining this achievement and building on this success for the future.”