Darlington has been named the sixth most improved education authority nationally at GCSE level.

The town's 15 and 16-year-olds achieved record breaking results this summer - following disappointing scores in 2004.

The results mean Darlington was the sixth most improved authority in the country at the benchmark five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, and the second most improved authority if this included English and maths.

The town also did well at key stage one (ages three to seven) following a disappointing performance in 2004.

The town was the fifth most improved authority for writing, the ninth most improved for maths and the 13th most improved for reading.

However, at key stage two (ages seven to 11), the results were not quite as positive. Performance targets were not met at some levels.

The results were also mixed at key stage three (ages 11 to 14). Some schools achieved significant progress.

However, where improvements have been made, the improvements are generally below the national rates.

Across the town, girls continue to out perform boys at key stage three - similar to the national picture.

The analysis is set out in a report which is going to Darlington Borough Council's lifelong learning scrutiny committee, on January 9.

The report says the A-level results achieved at Carmel RC Technology College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College were so good this year that Darlington may be named the best performing authority in England later this year.