STUDENTS at a Darlington school have won praise for their exam success.

Carmel RC Technology College students celebrated their achievements in front of an audience of governors, parents and educational authority representatives.

More than 58 per cent of year 11 pupils achieved five or more A*-C GSCE grades, while the pass rate at A Level was 92 per cent.

The average points total gained by Carmel students was 20 - the highest in the region.

Headteacher James O'Neill said: "It acknowledges that Carmel is an effective school giving value for money with its students as a major asset."