ONE of Teesside’s best performing schools has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Nunthorpe Academy held a celebratory evening in which several generations of students and staff attended.

Principal, Debbie Clinton, chairman of the Board of Directors Brian Whitfield and former head teacher Sir John Rowling reflected on the progress of the academy during the past 50 years.

Guests also included members of the Tovey family, spanning three generations, who have either attended or taught at Nunthorpe Academy.

There was a selection of entertainment, including performances by former student and local stand-up comedian, Natalie Wicks, and by current music and drama students.

The academy has amassed an array of memorabilia, from its own archives and from an appeal to former students and staff, and this was on display. This included a punishment book, old photographs, student reports, registers and students’ work.

Ms Clinton said: “The celebration was a fantastic community event that allowed past and present generations of Nunthorpe Academy to share their stories and memories.”

Nunthorpe Academy became the first dual specialist business, science and enterprise school in 2006 and its £6.3m sixth form centre opened in 2008.

It was recently graded 'outstanding' by Ofsted and is one of the highest performing schools on Teesside.