TWO Ipswich schools are celebrating after being picked among the country's best.Northgate High School was rated 7th best secondary in East Anglia, while St Margaret's C of E came 5th in the primary section.

TWO Ipswich schools are celebrating after being picked among the country's best.

Northgate High School was rated 7th best secondary in East Anglia, while St Margaret's C of E came 5th in the primary section.

Both schools were picked out by the Sunday Times in a survey of the best state schools in the country.

Neil Watts, headteacher of Northgate, said: "We're absolutely delighted.

"The criteria was quite extensive and when we were advised we were quite well placed it was a great boost for governors, staff and students.

"It's not just exam results, but also the destination of former pupils, extra curricular activities and opportunities for students to go into higher education.

"We took a conscious decision almost ten years ago to take advantage of a number of national initiatives to improve facilities and resources.

"This has been more noticeable over the last four years.

"It's not come about by accident, it's come through a lot of hard work."

St Margaret's headteacher Eddie Green paid tribute to the team effort that brought about their recognition.

He said: "We're delighted, I can't say I'm not after the school has done so well. The results last year were particularly good.

"But on the other hand, I'm realistic enough to say that year groups change and we can be at the top of the pile one year and it's different the next.

"I would like to thank the staff for all their hard work. I know other teachers work just as hard in schools throughout Ipswich and Suffolk.

"We're very proud of the very important links we have with the community and the church.

"There's a great sense of everybody pulling together – the governors, parents and staff."

n And Springfield Junior School in Ipswich has been given high marks by inspectors who visited it earlier this term.

They were impressed by the quality of teaching and leadership at the school – and said that the children were well-behaved and courteous.

Pupils worked well, and their results improved significantly during their four years at the school.

History, geography, and design and technology are singled out for praise at the school.

And the inspectors said its art and design standard was very high.

"We are delighted with the report," said headteacher Mike Garland. "People connected with Springfield know it is a good school, and we are very pleased that the inspectors recognised that."