A NORTH-EAST academy has received its best Ofsted report to date.

Following the visit in March, inspectors rated Unity City Academy, in East Middlesbrough as 'good' saying that it had 'improved significantly'.

Summer 2012 saw students at UCA achieve the best GCSE results in the Academy's history with 98 per cent gaining more than 5 A*-C GCSE or equivalent.

As a result, UCA was recognised as the 'Most Improved School in Middlesbrough'. The percentage of students gaining 5 A*-C, including English and maths, rose by 23 per cent in 2012 and is predicted to rise even further this year.

Ofsted recognised that while many students enter UCA with attainment levels below- and sometimes well below- the national average, their attainment rises at a much faster rate than that nationally. The report noted: "In most lessons observed, the students made good and sometimes outstanding progress," with teachers constantly ensuring that lessons are tailored to meet the personalised learning of individual students.

Ofsted continued: "The quality of teaching has improved greatly... it is rarely less than good and is sometimes outstanding."

Inspectors spoke to many students and congratulated them on their confidence, their courteousness and their pride in their Academy.