FIVE schools in Middlesbrough are in a class of their own when it comes to teaching, standards inspectors have found.

All five have come through a first wave of a new type of Ofsted inspections with flying colours.

Schools judged "outstanding" were Whinney Bank Primary, Pallister Park Primary, Caldicotes Primary, and the Cleveland Unit for children with special needs at the James Cook University Hospital. Thorntree Primary was judged as "good, with excellent features".

Councillor Paul Thompson, executive member for education and skills with Middlesbrough Council, said: "This is a remarkable achievement. We don't think there is any other group of primary schools in the region which has produced such high and sustained outcomes in their Ofsted inspections.

"These headteachers have given superb leadership to attain the success their schools have had. I am delighted at the high quality of the education their children are receiving and we are all very proud of them in Middlesbrough.