A SCHOOL has received high praise following its ranking in this year's league tables.

Easington Community School has been congratulated for its achievement by Minister of State for School Standards David Miliband

In this year's listings Easington is among the top 98 schools in the country based upon sustained improvement at GCSE over the past four years.

The community school was one of only two Durham schools to appear in this year's list with an improvement in GCSE examinations of 5A*-C rising from 23 per cent to 45 per cent and was ranked the 55th most improved school in England.

Headteacher Paul McHugh said: "During the last four years we have placed great emphasis on improving teaching and learning within the school.

"More recently we have introduced a strict disciplinary system and a system of study support for examination pupils which have received widespread recognition as examples of good practice."

Mr McHugh also congratulated all staff and pupils for their hard work and dedication.