St Richard's named top science college

Education secretary Charles Clarke announced the award on Friday in recognition of progress at St Richard's.

It will be the only designated Specialist Science College in the county from September and one of only 174 nationwide.

It means the college will have more cash and resources to channel into sciences; enabling improvements in classrooms, laboratories and resources.

Pupils will also benefit from a wider curriculum and greater choice in the range of courses and subjects on offer.

Principal Tony Campbell (left) said: "We are delighted with the news.

This award was made possible by the hard work of St Richard's staff and the wonderful help and encouragement received from parents, the local schools, the community as a whole and local businesses and organisations. We are very grateful to them for their continued support."

"Through the specialist status we will be able to work even more closely with local schools."

The news rounds off another fantastic week for St Richard's, which is currently the most successful state school in East Sussex in terms of exam results.

Mr Campbell also received a congratulatory letter from David Milliband, minister for school standards, which praised the school's examination successes and the fact it has been rated in the top 100 in the country based on GCSE improvement from 2000-2003.