A SCHOOL in Stanley has received national recognition for students’ achievements at GCSE level.

A recent in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England by SSAT, the national schools’ membership organisation for improvement, identified North Durham Academy’s success.

The school has qualified for an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award by being in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage two results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16.

The school has been invited to receive their award at a regional celebration ceremony hosted by SSAT at Emmanuel College in Gateshead June 6.

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT, the schools network, formerly known as Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said: “The North Durham Academy should be congratulated for their exceptional achievement.

“They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students.

“There is so much good practice that this school could share, and I hope many schools will join us at the celebration ceremony for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools.”

“These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at The North Durham Academy, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person. I am proud that this school is a member of the SSAT network.”