Catholic School existed largely in the shadow of the local grammar (now Bexhill High Academy). This was because St Richard's offered placements based on faith rather than on intelligence. It is for this reason that St Richard's continues to have a higher than average proportion of pupils for whom English is a second language. However, following the Cessation of Grant Regulations 1975, which saw the conversion of many grammar schools across the country, the playing field between St Richard's and Bexhill High (as it was known) was to a level. The school's reputation has increased since the late 1980s, largely because of the accession of Anthony Campbell OBE to the position of Headmaster. After a series of reforms under Campbell, St Richard's became the forerunning state school in East Sussex. It still frequently comes first in the county league tables for both results and Progress 8. Campbell's achievements were recognised in the 2007 New Year's Honours List, wherein he received an OBE for 'services to education'. Campbell retired in 2008; his retirement mass and celebrations were recorded in the local paper. The role of headmaster has since been taken over by Doreen Cronin, under whom the school has continued to flourish and attain excellent results. Under her tenure, GCSE results (the highest qualification offered at the school, save for an AS in Religious Studies) have remained well above average. In 2018, the first year that the new grade 1 – 9 GCSEs were sitting, 83 p/c of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and Maths. This is well above the National and the County averages (National 68 p/c). Spiritual life The college has a Spiritual Life Team who promotes and co-ordinating liturgical activities throughout the year, and supporting the spiritual journeys of students and staff. Local priests lead assemblies and school masses on special occasions and Days of Holy Obligation. Year group Masses and form Masses are celebrated by the priests of both Deaneries on a rota basis. Pupils at St. Richard are provided the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The prayer of St Richard (attributed to the Saint himself) is often recited at college: "Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits Thou hast given to me, and for all the pains and insults Thou hast bourn for me. Most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know Thee more