Staff at Trimdon Grange Infant and Nursery School are celebrating after being described by Government inspectors as "a beacon of success across the country".

The school has been graded as outstanding in 32 out of 33 categories by Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspectors.

Teaching was said to be "consistently excellent" while headteacher Catherine Worton was described as "an innovative and inspirational, creative practitioner".

She said: "I am very proud of everything we have achieved at this school.

"We are so successful because we work as a team and the contribution of everyone from the youngest pupil to the most experienced governor is valued."

Inspector Rosemary Rodger said in her report: "Pupils' achievement is excellent. Standards are significantly above average by the time pupils leave school.

"Numeracy and literacy levels are excellent because of the innovative ways in which children acquire basic skills."

Governors at the school, which caters for children aged three to seven, were commended for being "fully involved in the work of the school" and for using their professional expertise very well.

The only category in which the school, which has 115 children, received a good, rather than outstanding grading, was for pupil attendance.

Governors chairman Kaye Marshall said: "Trimdon Grange is a fantastic family school and we are thrilled that its achievements have been formally recognised in this report."

The Durham County Council portfolio holder for children and young people, Councillor Claire Vasey, added: "To be branded 'outstanding' in most areas and to be hailed as a national 'beacon of success' is a fantastic achievement.

"I would like to congratulate staff, governors and of course all the
pupils on working together to provide such an inspirational learning environment.

"It is this team work and dedication which makes County Durham's schools such great places to learn and work."