SCHOOL bosses are over the moon after Clacton County High was named the top performing secondary in the whole of the region under a new ranking system.

Schools had been judged on the number of pupils getting top GCSE exam grades.

The new Progress 8 league tables, which are designed to be fairer, measure the progress students make during their time at secondary school in eight subjects.

Clacton County High got the top score in Essex and the whole eastern region, which includes Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

It is now ranked an amazing 35th out of 6,382 secondaries nationally, putting it in the top 0.5 per cent.

Headteacher Neil Gallagher said it was an incredible achievement.

"We are delighted with this recognition," he said.

"It is no flash in the pan and has taken years of sustained hard work to get to this place.

"I would like to congratulate our students for their achievements and thank the staff here for their professionalism and commitment. Without their support and backing none of this would have been possible."

He added: "The importance of this achievement for the young people of Tendring should also not be overlooked.

"Schools throughout the area work incredibly hard to give students a first class education, to raise their aspirations and improve outcomes for all.

"At Clacton County High School we are determined never to stand still and will continue to build on our success, not only with continued hard work and commitment from our outstanding teachers, but also through partnerships and innovation."

The school's success was also recognised in this year's edition of the Parliamentary Review, highlighting the work done to boost students.

Trust boss Jeff Brindle, chair of governors Steve McGrath and Mr Gallagher attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament last month for the launch of the publication.

Mr Gallagher said: "To be featured as a case study school in the Parliamentary Review was a fantastic tribute and now to have been recognised as one of the top performing schools nationally really reinforces the impact that Clacton County High School is having on the life chances and aspirations of our students."