School's fortunes are transformed

A school in Darlington which was once named as one of the worst-performing in the country has been transformed.

Eastbourne School was put into 'special measures' two years ago.

Following this, it entered into the country's first education federation with Hurworth Comprehensive School, the two sharing knowledge and resources.

Now an inspectors' report on Eastbourne School has praised the improved teaching, exam results and the attitude and attendance of the pupils.

'More successful'

The report said: "The school was described in 2002 as a dysfunctional community. In 2004, pupils are proud of their school and proud to say they come to Eastbourne.

Karen Pemberton, the head teacher said: " It's been very, very hard work and it's a credit to the staff, pupils and parents.

"This is only the beginning. We will now work to make the school even more successful."

Eammon Farrar, the federation head, said: "They have really surpassed themselves.

"There were 57 schools in special measures and the bottom seven of these were discussed weekly with the minister for standards. Six of these have closed and the seventh was Eastbourne.

"The federation has worked very, very well and I think that Hurworth has benefited from it as well."