Delighted staff at King George V School in Nevinson Avenue are celebrating becoming the 32nd most improved school, while Harton Technology College, South Shields, has been ranked 69th.
The listings are based on the percentage increase in students achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE level since 2001.
Then, just 15 per cent of King George V pupils attained the grades, but that figure soared to 43 per cent in the last set of exams.
The ranking is another boost to the school after it was removed from Ofsted's special
n Turn to Page 2
measures last month in record time.
It had been placed "on report" in June 2003 over concerns about attainment and behaviour, with measures expected to remain in place until next spring, but progress has been so rapid that they were lifted two weeks ago.
Headteacher John Frain said: "Obviously we are delighted to be in the top 100 most improving schools.
"It is a good reflection on how hard the staff have worked."
Harton Technology College saw a 22 per cent rise in pupils achieving the grades, up from 40 per cent in 2001 to 62 per cent last year.
Headteacher Ken Gibson said: "This improvement is down to the marvellous teaching and learning that takes place at this school."
And South Shields MP David Miliband said: "I am delighted to see secondary schools in South Shields leading the way on school improvement.
"This is a tribute to teachers, support staff and of course pupils."