A SCHOOL which was severely criticised by Government inspectors seven months ago, is in line to win national praise, after bumper exam results.

Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, between Darlington and Stockton, was classed by school inspectors as having "serious weaknesses" - just one step from being branded a failing school.

Seven months later, and pupils have achieved outstanding results in their Standard Attainment Tests (SATs).

Ninety-three per cent of year six pupils achieved the benchmark in English, compared to 80 per cent the previous year.

The rise in science was from 80 per cent to 100 per cent of students achieving the benchmark. Performance in maths also increased.

Eamonn Farrar, who is a school governor and will from September act as a schools' tsar, advising headteachers, said: "They will be the only school in Darlington, and probably one of the only schools in the region to achieve this kind of improvement."

Acting headteacher Nell Morgan said: "These are results that the children and the school can be genuinely proud of. There has been a dramatic improvement in the percentage of children gaining level five in all three subjects."

Tim Abbot, chairman of governors, said: "Much of the credit must go to Mrs Morgan and her staff - her leadership has been key."

Six months after being classed as having "serious weaknesses", an Ofsted inspection found the school had been much improved.