King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, has received the County Durham and Darlington Healthy Schools Award.
Headteacher Ed Lott said: "We at King James pride ourselves on developing every student's academic potential, but also in equipping them all for adult life - that includes understanding what is needed for a safe, healthy lifestyle."
The school is the first comprehensive school in the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust area to receive the award, which was launched in 1999 by the Department for Education and Skills and the Department of Health.
It has tackled issues including drugs education, sex and relationship education, physical activity, safety, healthy eating and social and emotional well-being.
Anne Beeton, chairwoman of the trust, said: "This is an excellent way of recognising good practice and improving the health and health education within schools and the local community, and I am delighted that King James have achieved the award."
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