Pupils across Sussex will be celebrating today as they collect their GCSE results.

Many schools have broken their own records with their best results ever.

Click here to see our picture gallery of pictures sent in by schools.

Staff and pupils at two schools have announced another improvement in their grades.

Both Patcham High in Brighton and Eastbourne Technology College had been told by the Government that they had until 2011 to boost pass rates for the proportion of pupils earning five A* to C grades, including English and maths, to 30%.

Patcham achieved well over the target, with 36% of pupils gaining five A* to C passes, an increase from 28% last year.

Headteacher Paula Sargent said: “We are absolutely over the moon at the huge improvement.”

At Eastbourne Technology College the percentage also rose to 31% from 23% in 2008.

Headteacher Keith Pailthorpe said: “This is a very good result and it is very encouraging.”

Independent schools also announced improved results this year.

Brighton College reported its best results in the history of the school, with 50 pupils achieving all A* and A grades.

Headteacher Richard Cairns said: “These are the best GCSE results in the history of Brighton College and I am delighted.”

At Brighton and Hove High School 98.67% of girls achieved five A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Acting headteacher Keith Roberts said: “It is particularly satisfying as there has been a wider emphasis on activities and achievement beyond the classroom whilst our students have maintained the outstanding academic results our school is famous for.”

At Burgess Hill School for Girls 74% of all exam entries were graded A* or A.

Headmistress Ann Aughwane said: “The girls can be extremely proud of their achievements. They have excelled in all curriculum areas.”

85% of Hurstpierpoint College pupils achieved A* to B grades in ten or more subjects.

Headmaster Tim Manly said: “I am very pleased indeed. They represent a terrific achievement by our pupils and show that the school has delivered an impressive and consistent record of attainment over the last three years, a period when our results have matched all-time college records.”

At Lancing College 87.7% of GCSEs taken were awarded A* to B grades.

Headmaster Jonathan Gillespie said: “This has been an outstanding year and these splendid achievements reinforce Lancing’s reputation for academic excellence at the centre of high-quality, all-round education.”

As the results come in, we will be compiling an online video and photo gallery of the celebrations.

See tomorrow’s Argus for pictures and reports of results day celebrations.

If you would like your pictures included in the gallery email them to picture.desk@theargus.co.uk

School

Pass rate 5 A*-C

(including English and Maths)

Pass rate 2008 Longhill High 41% 36% Patcham High 36% 28% Hove Park School 26.2% 36% Falmer High School 25% 19% Eastbourne Technology College 31% 23% Brighton and Hove High School 98.67%   Dorothy Stringer 65% 63% Patcham High 36% 28% Steyning Grammar 62% 64% Ringmer Community College 54%   Midhurst Rother College 43% N/A The Weald, Billingshurst 66% 57% Tideway School, Newhaven 35% - Eastbourne Technology College 31% 23%