PUPILS and staff at a school are celebrating after it was described as "good and rapidly improving" in its first Ofsted report.

The Oaks school for children with special needs, in Rock Road, Spennymoor, opened 16 months ago following a shake-up of special school provision in the area.

Following last month's inspection, the school was graded as good overall, having achieved grade two in 14 out of 16 categories.

The school's sixth form provision was also graded as good, achieving the same grade in 12 of 14 categories.

The report said: "Through good leadership and management, many good links have been built up with parents and a huge range of support agencies.

"These strengths all ensure good progress in students' academic and personal development."

Headteacher Andrea English said: "We are delighted with the Ofsted report, which reflects the hard work of staff, pupils and parents in establishing our new school.

"The Oaks opened in September 2005, following the closure of four existing special schools.

"We have all worked extremely hard to build up our own ethos and philosophy, building on the good practice and expertise of staff who came from each of the four schools.

"Inspectors were pleased with the fast rate of progress in all areas, and their description of our school as 'good and rapidly improving' is a great testimony to the commitment of everyone involved."