A SCHOOL'S fortunes have been turned around with the announcement that it has won a national achievement award.

Sedgefield Community College was described as "under- achieving" by an Ofsted report in September 2000.

But 18 months of hard work have been recognised by the Government through a School Achievement Award, which is the latest in a string of accolades.

The award is for a 23 per cent improvement in SATs and GCSE results in 2001.

Headteacher Lynne Ackland said: "It's quite rare for a school described as under- achieving by Ofsted to win this award.

"Over the past 18 months we've done so dramatically well that we've got this achievement award and it's fantastic. We're all really proud."

The school was already celebrating after being awarded Specialist Sporting College Status.

Other recent achievements include a £10,000 grant from Sport England for a trim trail and leisure track, and an environmental award for the school's farm unit.

Record numbers of students have applied for a place at the school next year, and staff are almost at the point of turning people away.

This latest award comes with a cash prize of £22,100 to be divided between all of the school's staff, including teachers, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors, dinner ladies and administration staff.

It means that all full-time members of staff will receive a bonus of about £300.

Mrs Ackland said: "We're really excited because what's been achieved by the staff of this school is absolutely phenomenal and it's fantastic the Government has realised it as well."