Northgate High in Dereham was among a host of Norfolk schools honoured for their high attainment in last year's GCSE exams.The six schools were named among 471 high-flyers at a Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) ceremony in London.

Northgate High in Dereham was among a host of Norfolk schools honoured for their high attainment in last year's GCSE exams.

The six schools were named among 471 high-flyers at a Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) ceremony in London.

They all achieved the following:

t 60pc or more five-plus A*-C GCSEs including English and maths

t 53.7pc (national average) or more two-plus A*-C in science subjects

t 31.6pc (national average) or more one-plus A*-C in modern foreign languages.

The Norfolk schools recognised at the ceremony on March 9 were Acle High, Hethersett High, Northgate High, Notre Dame High on Surrey Street in Norwich, Wymondham High and Wymondham College.

Elizabeth Reid, chief executive of SSAT, said: 'Congratulations to all the specialist schools and academies that have met the criteria for our high attaining awards.

'These schools are enabling more young people to reach their full potential and succeed in the 21st century. It is important we celebrate these achievements as they are the product of hard work and dedication by school leaders, teachers and students.'

The ceremony and dinner was held at Kings Place, London. Guest speaker, schools minister Vernon Coaker, said: 'It's encouraging to see so many specialist schools and academies achieving such high standards - a tribute to the hard work of pupils, teachers and schools.

'With the huge leap in standards over the last 13 years, schools now have to be not just very good, but truly excellent to distinguish themselves.'