BRIGHT sparks at Stanley School of Technology have won praise from teachers after taking a GCSE exam early and achieving a 100 per cent pass rate.

All 15 of the year 11 pupils at the school, in Tyne Road, Stanley, passed their maths GCSE.

The youngsters took the exam in November and have just got their results.

Headteacher Janet Bridges said: "We are delighted with this excellent set of results, that reflects the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff. The school is looking forward to a very good set of results in the summer term.