NURSERIES, schools and colleges across the region have been named among leading performers by Government education watchdog Ofsted.

The "super-list" was drawn up from schools that have received at least one excellent inspection report since the group was set up 12 years ago.

A total of 175 from the North-East feature, including 13 rated as "doubly outstanding", having received two excellent reports in that time.

In Yorkshire and Humberside, 211 are named, including 24 that have received two excellent reports.

Pat Pennington is headteacher of George Dent Nursery School, in Elms Road, Darlington.

The state-run nursery, which looks after 182 children, has twice received excellent Ofsted reports.

She said: "We are the second-oldest nursery school in the country, which means we are very well-established.

"We are lucky to have well-qualified, highly motivated staff, who know how children work and what their needs are."

Another doubly successful school is Biddick Hall Junior School, in South Shields, South Tyneside. On average, schools are inspected by Ofsted every six years.

Ofsted chief inspector David Bell said: "All the schools, units and colleges on Ofsted's honours list should be proud of their achievement.

"Since Ofsted inspections began 12 years ago, inspectors have been to visit more than 52,000 schools, so those featured have proved they are among the best." The full list is at www.ofsted. gov.uk

North-East double-award schools include George Dent Nursery School, Darlington; Kilton Thorpe School, Saltburn; Biddick Hall Junior School, South Shields and Clervaux Nursery School, Jarrow, both South Tyneside; Egglescliffe School, Stockton; Rowlands Gill Junior School, Gateshead; St Patrick's RC Comprehensive School, Thornaby; and Emmanuel College, Gateshead.

North Yorkshire double-award schools include Oatlands Infant School, Harrogate; Roecliffe Church of England Primary School, Harrogate; and St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate.