A SCHOOL which was inspired by last years successful Great Britain Olympic team has picked up a gold medal in its latest Ofsted report.

Green Lane CE School in Barnard Castle, received Outstanding ratings in every category of the report into an inspection at the start of June.

The report marks a successful end to new head teacher Paula Fords first year in charge.

"When I started the job in September everyone was talking about the Olympics and Team GB," said Mrs Ford.

"So I took an assembly where I introduced Team GL, which is all about everyone in the school working together to make ourselves better.

"The whole inspection day went very, very well. The report is very much a team effort."

In his report, inspector Derek Sleightholme, said: "The school has built well on its very successful heritage of high standards and personal development sustained over time.

"It has excellent capacity for further improvement and provides very good value for money."

Mrs Ford paid tribute to former head Mike Grainger, who retired last year.

"Im glad the report mentions the successful heritage of the school, because there has been a lot of hard work over the years," she said.

"I wasnt expecting such a good report because the last one was so hard to beat, but I am thrilled."

The effectiveness of the early years foundation stage part of the school received a Good rating.

This summer the school, which will have its Church of England inspection next week, will undergo redevelopment scheme likely to cost more than £500,000.