STAFF and students at Shildon school are celebrating after recording their best ever examination performance.

Sunnydale Comprehensive School had 33 per cent of students achieving the benchmark figure of five or more GCSE passes at A* to C grades in this year's examinations.

Two years ago, the figure was 29 per cent, which at the time earned Sunnydale recognition as one of the country's most improved schools and set an examination record for the school.

Headteacher Peter Rogerson said the news would provide a huge morale boost for staff at the start of the next term.

He said: "The results are simply outstanding, our best ever. They represent an astonishing 70 per cent improvement on last year's results.

"What is also pleasing is that the boys' performances has matched that of the girls.

"Pupils, staff and parents can all take credit from the fact that a lot of hard work has really paid off.