A SCHOOL in Darlington has been rated as good after its first Ofsted inspection in its new building - with some features hailed as outstanding.

Beaumont Hill Technology College - one of three schools in Darlington's £37m Education Village - was described as providing "outstanding" care, support and guidance.

The special school moved to the Salters Lane South campus in April last year and Alastair Young, lead inspector from Ofsted, said pupils are taught well and achieve well.

The school's overall effectiveness is rated as good, as is the sixth form, which is said to have an outstanding curriculum.

Pupils' achievements and standards are also rated as good, along with personal development and well-being.

According to the report, pupils work hard, behave well and contribute well to the school. They are said to benefit greatly from opportunities to mix with students from the other two mainstream schools.

The report said the excellent range of subjects and experiences far exceeded statutory requirements and prepared pupils well for adult life.

Care, guidance and support is also rated as outstanding, with leadership and management being good with outstanding vision.

The report says staff made sure the move to the village did not interfere with pupils' progress.