STUDENTS and staff are celebrating the continuing success of their academy as it secures a glowing report from inspectors.

Longfield Academy, in Darlington, has been ranked ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors just as hundreds of thousands of pounds have been obtained for further development.

For head girl Yeva Creegan and head boy Connor Chapman, both 16, the inspectors simply confirmed what they have known all along.

“It’s a nice feeling to know that you are going to have the opportunity to do your very best because you are in the best school,” said Connor.

“It actually creates a bit of pressure to keep up the good work, but it is good pressure that will benefit us all in the future.

Yeva added: “We know it is a good school but it is great to hear Ofsted confirm it officially.”

Headteacher Susan Johnson added: “I would like to congratulate all of our students and staff for an excellent report and thank parents and carers for their continued support and for the extremely positive feedback given to inspectors.”

Inspectors rated the school good in all four key areas – leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and achievement of pupils.

They highlighted Mrs Johnson’s dynamism and gritty determination and her high ambitions and resolute drive to improve the academy’s performance, which had resulted in a significant turnaround.

This had resulted in students attaining good GCSEs, particularly in English and maths, which were above the national average.

The number of able students was rising with a higher than average proportion on track to attain the highest grades, the report said.

Well-led and managed teaching was helping raise aspirations of all students and eradicate underachievement.

Inspectors praised exemplary behaviour in lessons and social time, with high attendance and low exclusion rates reflecting students’ enjoyment and keenness to learn.