A science teacher has received praise from her colleagues for the work she does at her school.

Sarah Burns, of Bishop Barrington School Sports With Mathematics College in Bishop Auckland was recently chosen to attend a selection conference at Wembley for lead practitioners for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust which is dedicated to raising levels of achievement.

"It was one of the best days of my life. Everyone was just so enthusiastic," said Miss Burns, who gave a presentation at the conference, which took place on April 28.

Miss Burns has also been praised for her work on a level 6+ project by Simon Travers, Durham LEA science consultant, who appointed her as a specialist teacher for the project at the start of the year.

In a letter to Acting Head Teacher, Jackie Gent, Mr Travers said the science team wanted to thank Sarah for her efforts.

He wrote: "She has proven to be a key member of my L6+team of specialists.

"Sarah has also taken a role in evaluating the project for the LA; the resulting evaluation has received national recognition for its quality."

Miss Burns, who is in her second year teaching at Bishop Barrington, where she also did her teacher training placement, said: I just absolutely love teaching science here. I am passionate about it and enjoy creating resources to help switch the students on to science.

Mrs Jackie Gent, Acting Head Teacher, said: "We are very lucky to have Sarah in our school.

"She is very talented with a passion for learning which is very important to Bishop Barrington."