A SCHOOL is celebrating a high-achieving year in sport after its teams won six local tournaments, and several pupils achieved outstanding individual success.

Polam Hall School, in Darlington, has scored successes in a variety of sports, and during the past academic year, teams have won a total of six inter-school tournaments.

Six pupils have also excelled in their chosen sports, by being selected to train at specialist academies.

The school has scored particular successes in athletics, with the under-15 squad winning the county-wide Schools Cup.

The under-13s and under-15s also both won first place against 23 other schools in the Independent Schools Athletic Championships, in York.

Polam Hall pupils who have already proved they have bright futures in their sports include triathlete Maddy Winzer, who ran at the National Cross Country Championships; Jade Clark, who fences for Great Britain at under-21 level; Ellie Givens, who trains and plays golf with the England Junior Squad; and Lauren Peacock, Katie Slade and Polly Enevoldson, who are all part of the England Netball Association Talent Camp.

Headteacher at the school, Marie Green, said: "I am extremely proud of all our pupils again this year.

"They have shown real commitment to their academic studies and to their extra-curricular activities.

"It is encouraging to see so many individuals excelling at the sports they enjoy."