A SECONDARY school is celebrating after being named the best in the region.

Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is the top state secondary in the North-East, according to The Sunday Times Parent Power guide.

The accolade comes after 40 per cent of GCSEs awarded to the school's pupils this year were either A* or As, while 73 per cent of A-level grades were A* to Bs.

Headteacher Michael Wardle said: “Our focus on academic stretch and highlighting subject content is key to the success of the students and the exceptional progress they made this year.

“All credit to the hard work and determination of our students to do their very best at school.

“As teachers we seek not only to spark the interest of our students, but also to stretch their intellect. Subject content and academic stretch is central to our ethos.

“Students of all abilities and backgrounds attained high standards. Social justice is one of our core values, and we are delighted to see all of our students doing so well.”

The guide named St Edward's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Middlesbrough, as the region's top state primary school.

Mary Brown, headteacher of the school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors, said: “It absolutely great. It is wonderful. It reflects the hard work and commitment of the staff and governors. I am not only proud of the school, but this achievement for Middlesbrough as a whole.”

The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, was the top independent secondary, followed by Yarm School which came second.

The Royal Grammar School was also the top independent prep school.

The rankings in the secondary school league tables are determined by the percentage of entries gaining A* to B grades at A-level this summer and the percentage of entries returning A* and A grades at GCSE.

In Yorkshire, Ripon Grammar School was named at the top state secondary. Skipton Girls' High School came second in the list.

An analysis of Key Stage 2 SAT outcomes at Level 5 from 2013 is used to rank state primary schools and independent preparatory schools.

The full guide will be published in print and online in The Sunday Times this Sunday, November 23.

The guide, which can be found at www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/parentpower covers the top 2,000 state and independent schools, searchable by postcode, town, local authority and name of school.