THE new headmistress of a Teesside school has stressed her commitment to single sex education.

Hilary French took over the post at Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, from Jane Hamilton, who retired earlier this year.

Mrs French said: "The school's recent excellent A-level and GCSE results are a vindication of what this school has reiterated over a long period of time - that single sex education achieves first class results."

Stressing her determination to "maintain the ethos of our school which is rooted in over 100 years of tradition and success", Mrs French, who was deputy headmistress at the school for the last four years, said she felt privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Teesside High School into the 21st Century.

"Research has shown time and time again that single sex education for girls provides not only the best academic standards, but also the best opportunities."

Mrs French, who is a historian and a graduate of Oxford University, said she was committed to creating an environment in which "all achievements are valued, excellence in academic standards complemented and sustained by the strong pastoral system"