A SCHOOL that will form part of the country's first education village has been told it must improve its GCSE results.

Haughton Community School, in Darlington, which will move into the £35m private finance initiative "super-school" next year, has otherwise received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors.

The school was said by inspectors to be improving, and they were also impressed by the leadership of headteacher Michael Davidson.

In Haughton's first Ofsted report in six years, inspectors said: "There is a tangible ethos of learning and achievement in the school.

"Most students enjoy being at school, enthusiastically participating in lessons and extra-curricular activities prepared for them.

"Good relationships between students and teachers help develop students' confidence and aspirations.

"There is a comfortable and calm atmosphere in school, and students feel that behaviour is improving. The ethos is good and clearly improved."

Financial management, inclusiveness and extra-curricular activities were also praised.

Mr Davidson said the school had been told to improve its GCSE results, particularly for boys, and that an action plan was in place.

He said teachers and students had come in over the February half-term and Easter holidays to revise, and that study skills days had also been held to help pupils revise.

Teaching in most subjects was said to be at least satisfactory and often good, and the school's links with the community were praised.

The Education Village, which is being built next to the school, will cater for 1,900 pupils. The scheme will incorporate Beaumont Hill Special School and Springfield Primary School.

Kajima Construction, of Newcastle, won the contract to build the school, and work started last month.

It will include a childcare centre, Internet cafe, sports facilities, library and a music area.