A HIGH Wycombe academy, currently shortlisted for two national awards, has been given another major accolade after being named as one of the best schools in the country for student progress at GCSE.

The Highcrest Academy in Hatters Lane has gained national recognition for being one of the top 20 per cent of schools for the progress made by pupils between their Key Stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSEs results at 16.

The news has been revealed by SSAT (The Schools Network), an independent organisation with about 2,000 members in England.

SSAT's Chief Executive Sue Williamson congratulated Highcrest on its 'stunning' performance, calling it one of the best schools in the country for outperforming expectations for pupils and improving their future prospects.

This announcement comes in the wake of Highcrest reaching the final of the Secondary School of the Year competition in the prestigious TES Annual Awards. In addition, its Principal, Shena Moynihan, is also in the final six shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year at the same event in London on Friday 5 July.

Miss Moynihan said this week: "I am well aware that we have a fantastic set of students and brilliant staff, but this national recognition is a great reward for their commitment and ability. We are delighted with this latest news, but we will not allow ourselves to become complacent and will be striving to improve even further."