TEESDALE School has been named the North East’s State Secondary School of the Year after a dramatic turnaround that saw it rank in the top three in the region.
Parent Power – The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2020 announced the award on Sunday, November 24, based on an assessment of the school’s academic achievement.
The rankings in the secondary school league tables were determined by the percentage of students gaining A* to B grades at A-level this summer and the percentage of pupils returning A* and A grades, and those graded 9, 8 and 7, at GCSE and iGCSE.
Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: “2019 has been a year full of successes for Teesdale School, where two thirds of its students achieved A*-B grades in their A-Levels. Plans for new sport facilities [indoor multi-use games area] have been approved by local councillors ensuring the school environment is constantly improving and made more enjoyable for staff and students alike.”
Only Durham Johnston Comprehensive School and Queen Elizabeth High School, in Hexham, had a higher academic achievement than Teesdale School in the North East. Nationally, the school is ranked joint 210th having not made the league table the previous year.
Assistant headteacher Alastair French attributed the success to the hard work of pupils and staff as well as enthusiasm, motivation and a love for learning.
He said: “It is based on the excellent results of the past few years. The sixth Form grades are outstanding. It has been an excellent year for the school. You can say excellent as many times as you want, but that is what it is, excellent.”
A school spokesperson said: “We’re so happy and proud of everyone – students, staff, parents and the local community – who have made this achievement possible.
“This year has been a great year for our school and this accolade just rounds it off perfectly.”
Teesdale School was rated as “outstanding” across the board following an Ofsted inspection this summer.
It marked a major turnaround after the school had received a poor Ofsted report in 2015. The school had the slate officially wiped clean after it joined a multi-academy trust in 2016.
