A SCHOOL has been praised for its impressive improvements after it was branded as failing by Ofsted inspectors more than a year ago.

An action plan was introduced to improve discipline and results at Eastbourne School, in Darlington, after it was placed in special measures at the end of 2002.

Headteacher Karen Pemberton said yesterday that a team of three schools inspectors praised the improvements at Eastbourne, saying they were "an achievement to be proud of".

The inspectors, who visited in November to see how the school was improving after its special measures label, were particularly impressed with students' discipline, attitude and their positive views of the school.

Pupils are now given regular opportunities to have their say about standards of teaching and learning in consultation groups, led by Mrs Pemberton. Their opinions are then used to plan for improvement.

Mrs Pemberton said: "2004 will be a crucial year for Eastbourne with all eyes upon the school. The exceptional commitment shown by pupils, staff and parents will make it a year to remember."

Eastbourne has also been helped by its pioneering federation with nearby Hurworth School, which topped the GCSE league tables in Darlington and County Durham yesterday.

Hurworth was ranked the best school in Darlington and County Durham, and made it into the top 25 per cent nationally, while Eastbourne leapt to third place in the Darlington table.

Hurworth headteacher Dean Judson said he was delighted with Hurworth's place in the league, and said the federation had been beneficial for both schools.

* A story in The Northern Echo yesterday reported that Eastbourne Technology College in Darlington was ranked 21st in a list of the worst 200 performing state schools on truancy.

We would like to point out that Eastbourne Technology College is in fact in East Sussex. Eastbourne Comprehensive School in Darlington came 155th in the list.

We apologise for any confusion and embarrassment our error may have caused.