A SCHOOL deemed inadequate by Ofsted less than a year ago is celebrating a “much improved” set of GCSE results.

Whitworth Park School in Spennymoor was criticised by the education watchdog in its latest report following disappointing results last summer and an inspection in December.

However, since then, many changes have been made, including a significant restructure and a more open and honest environment. And on Thursday the school was delighted to achieve a ten per cent increase in the number of pupils receiving five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C.

The figure, which includes English and maths, now stands at 53 per cent, compared to 43 per cent last year.

There were also many “exceptional” individual performances, including Zalinka Kipling who achieved the top grade of nine for maths, a grade 8 for English literature, three A*s, 3 As and a grade seven.

David Richardson also achieved a grade nine for Maths, two A*s, four As, a B and a C; Eve Angstman achieved a grade eight in English Literature, two A*s, a grade seven, two As, two Bs and a grade six; Jennifer Burke achieved a grade seven, five As, two grade sixes and a B; Sophie Moore achieved two grade eights, an A*, three As ,a 5 and two Cs; and Rebekah Newman achieved an A*, two grade 7s, 3 As, a grade 6 and a B.

Interim Headteacher David Stone expressed his pride in the students and thanked the parents and staff for their support, adding: “I know that our year 11 students have put in long, gruelling hours to achieve their academic goals.”