THE latest results confirm the North-East's lead in pioneering the use of supplements in education. Originally aimed to help youngsters overcome problems with concentration and hyperactivity, supplements are increasingly being seen as a way to boost exam results.

There is wide agreement among scientists that food containing what are known as long-chain fatty acids, such as omega three and omega six, can help a part of the brain known as the cortex function more efficiently.

Omegas three and six, found in oily fish such as mackerel, also seem to help a part of the brain known as the limbic system, which is associated with restlessness and lack of concentration.

Fatty acids, including omega three and six, are components of every living cell in the human body, but scientists say they are particularly important for brain function, vision and hearing.

Eye-q fish oil capsules, the kind supplied by UK company Equazen to all the County Durham school trials, also provides the body with the omega three fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

EPA is needed to transmit messages along nerves and for memory.

DHA is a building block of all nerve and eye cell membranes.

Eye-q capsules also contain evening primrose oil, which provides the essential fatty acid GLA, which is important for brain and eye function.

Scientists believe that centuries ago, the human diet was naturally rich in such fatty acids, but because of processed food, many people miss out on them.

The success of the Toft Hill trial has convinced head teacher Richard Whitfield of the importance of supplementing the diets of young children. He said: "We know that modern diets are not always very good at giving children the nutrients they need. What we have done at Toft Hill is a way of giving youngsters what they need."

Unlike some of the earlier fish oil trials in County Durham schools, which were predominantly aimed at youngsters who could not concentrate or were hyperactive, the Toft Hill experiment involved almost all the children at the 160-pupil school.

Mr Whitfield said: "Unlike any other similar studies, we are looking at the benefits to every one of our pupils, not just those with special educational needs.

"The whole atmosphere in the school has become more positive and focused; we are not just referring to the remarkable attainment academically, as we have seen vast improvements in children's physical and social skills."

The Food Standards Agency is still not convinced there is enough hard evidence to support the use of food supplements to boost school performance.

But later this year, when the large Durham County Council-backed trial of more than 5,000 secondary pupils, reports back, it may change its mind.

If the council is correct and fish oil pills significantly improve classroom performance, it could change education, not just in this country but around the world.