THE reputation of a transformed school at Chester-le-Street persuaded a delegation of Welsh community leaders to travel 300 miles to witness its achievements.
A group of delegates from Gwent visited the Hermitage School as part of a tour of the region.
Last year, Hermitage head teacher Eddie Brady had so impressed Welsh education chiefs during a London teaching conference with his vision that they arranged to tour the school.
Deputy head Margaret Anderson said: "They heard how we had brought in the community here, so they wanted to see for themselves.
"We used to be a school that didn't involve the community.
"Now, we've expanded our facilities, introduced community classes and links with outside bodies and become involved with Cap-a-Pie Theatre group."
Robert Thomas, managing director of Rezolv, a Welsh school regeneration organisation, said his delegation from Torfaen, near Newport, found their visit very useful.
"We came to the North looking for examples of excellence, so went to Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, and Leeds United FC," he said.
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