TEACHERS are celebrating after seeing an improvement in exam results last year.

Figures show test and examination results for children aged five, 11 and 16 in County Durham improved significantly on previous years.

One of the biggest improvements was at GCSE level, where County Durham’s scores rose more quickly than the national average for the sixth year running. At five years old, 48.6 per cent of the county’s children reached the national standard – up from 40.5 per cent in 2008 and above the target of 45.8 per cent.

Councillor Claire Vasey, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the improvement made right across the board by schools and pupils.

“We are seeing some of the best levels of achievement and greatest rates of improvement since national tests were introduced.

“More young people in the county are starting and finishing their education equipped with the right skills and knowledge that will help them find further success.

“It’s a huge tribute to the students, the support they get from their families and teachers and the partnership between council and schools.”