GOVERNMENT inspectors have awarded Darlington foundation school one of the best Ofsted reports in the country.

Hurworth School Maths and Computing College was rated as outstanding in every category by assessors.

However, the reports only minor criticism - that sporting facilities should be updated - has lead to chief executive Eamonn Farrar renewing calls for a new building.

The report praised the academic standards, level of pastoral care, teaching and learning standards and pupil involvement as well as the curriculum, senior leadership team and governors.

It said: Hurworth School provides its students with an outstanding education. The schools mission statement of achieving excellence with care is at the heart of everything that happens.

The outstanding care, guidance and support for the students mirrors the relentless focus on improving the quality of the students lives, not only through academic success but also in sport, the performing arts and business projects.

This is a school in which every student matters and each and every student is known.

It also singled out the schools assertive mentoring system, which has won national recognition, as well as its provision for children with disablities and learning difficulties.

Each students progress is meticulously tracked and fed back to students and parents.

Well thought through intervention strategies are frequently monitored to ensure the vast majority of students make exceptional progress.

Students were described as polite, happy, articulate young people who are very proud to be at the school while the partnership of the headteacher and chief executive was highlighted as very effective with extremely clear vision.

The only fault the inspector highlighted was the limited sporting facilities, which they recommended should be updated.

Mr Farrar, chief executive, recognised the achievements of Mr Judson, school staff and governors as well as Darlington Borough Council and LEA, but called for improved facilities.

"The local authority and council also deserve recognition for the part they have played in our success.

"They are working hard with us to resolve the issue of the school's poor facilities and buildings, highlighted in the inspection report. It's absolutely essential that we get a new building. And soon."

This concern was also echoed by chairwoman of governors, Sam Jameson, who said: "As governors, we share that concern and have been seeking a solution for some time now. It is our absolute number one priority to get a new building".

Headteacher Dean Judson said: The inspection report is simply fantastic. It is a real tribute to the hard work, endeavor, quality and commitment of all those connected with Hurworth School.

Everyone knows about the outstanding examination results we achieve here, but it means just as much to us for the Ofsted inspection to have rated the quality of care that we provide for the children as outstanding."

Murray Rose, director of children's services at Darlington Borough Council said: "'This is a tremendous achievement by the leadership team, staff, governors, parents and pupils at Hurworth School.