Eight Sussex schools have been ranked among the most successful in the country.

They have been praised by Mike Tomlinson, HM Chief Inspector for Schools, in his annual report on standards and quality in education published this morning.

The schools were among 281 in the report, from a total of 4,700 inspected last year by Government officials in England.

They are: Helenswood School, St Leonards; The Cavendish School, Eastbourne; Uckfield Community College; Uplands Community College, Wadhurst; Bishop Luffa Church of England School, Chichester; Northchapel Primary School, Petworth; Northgate Middle School, Crawley and The Laurels First School, Worthing.

The schools received outstanding Ofsted reports in 1999/2000 and performed well in national tests and examinations.

Mr Tomlinson said: "These schools show what can be achieved. It is important their success is recognised and they are encouraged to disseminate their good practice to others."

The report also lists those schools which Ofsted removed from special measures in 1999/2000.

These include: Coldean Infant School, Brighton; Falmer High School, Brighton; West Wittering Parochial School, Chichester; Yapton CE Primary School, Arundel; and Durrington County First School, Worthing.