AN NORTH-EAST school which placed creativity at the heart of its curriculum on its journey out of special measures to becoming a role model for other schools has scooped a prestigious national prize.

The Seaham School of Technology was presented with the Creative School of the Year award at 2015 Times Education Supplement (TES) Schools Awards in London.

Head teacher Dave Shield said: “We are absolutely delighted. This recognises the fantastic work the staff are doing in the school and the rich range of opportunities we are providing for the young people of Seaham.”

Creativity became integral to curriculum development as the school sought to “engage minds and broaden horizons” on its journey out of special measures.

Unused areas of the school were refurbished to provide stimulating environments for learning. A redesigned staffroom, now known as Room X, provides diverse and stimulating learning experiences.

From a murder scene for forensic study in science to a desert island for humanities lessons, the area has been creatively adapted to meet the needs of teachers and pupils.

Seaham further demonstrated its commitment to creativity by transforming a derelict area into a 12m-long trench to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

In two of the past three years, the school has been in the first percentile for value-added scores. GCSE results have risen significantly, with 80 per cent of pupils gaining A*-C in English language and 100 per cent reaching A*-C in art.

Judges said: “Seaham School of Technology’s entry was remarkable for being so deep and comprehensive.

“Far from adopting well-worn recipes for complying with Ofsted criteria to achieve its current status of good, it has been enthusiastically innovative. Seaham is indeed a role model for all other schools.”

TES editor Ann Mroz said: “Seaham School of Technology is impressive not just for the results but for the richness of school life, underpinned by its creative initiatives engaging students of all abilities and present in every element of the curriculum.”

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges, including the writer Anthony Horowitz, Dame Joan McVittie, headteacher at Woodside High School, London, and Colin Bell, chief executive of the Council of British International Schools.