PARENTS and staff at a Darlington secondary school have been recognised nationally for their efforts after working together to improve standards.

Longfield School, Darlington, has been awarded the SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) Parental Engagement gold standard for involving parents in children’s education.

By developing close links between the school and the community standards of education and behaviour have seen a marked improvement at Longfield.

The school’s success in involving parents was recognised by Ofsted inspectors as outstanding with efforts continuing to develop parental engagement for the benefit of all 900 students.

Systems are complemented by an ‘open door’ culture where parents are encouraged to make contact over any issues or concerns.

Head teacher Susan Johnson said: “On the one hand we believe that parental engagement leads to higher academic performance, improved attendance and sets behavioural standards for school and home-life.

“It is also crucial to the successful development of a sense of community, where parents feel directly involved in their children’s education and an overarching feeling of safety and happiness.”

Mrs Johnson said she was delighted their efforts had been recognised nationally as this vindicated the extensive efforts made by staff, governors, parents and students.

Mrs Johnson added: “Longfield has built a reputation for strong academic achievement and is proud of its extensive curriculum provision, strong pastoral care and excellent behaviour.

“Our aim is simple and everyone connected with Longfield shares the same vision, the same goal, to ensure we create a school which offers our students the very best opportunities in life.”