A Woodham Academy teacher and a pupil were both winners at the Northern Echo School Awards, held at the Xcel Centre.
Year 11 student Emma Sandford was awarded the Inspirational Pupil award, while assistant head teacher Sarah McGinnety was recognised for her innovative work in careers education.
Emma is described by the school as an “amazing individual who overcomes every obstacle to excel at everything she does”.
A statement continued: “Emma is a truly brilliant student and indeed a genuinely nice person.
“Not only has she excelled in all of her academic subjects but she has spent considerable amount of time developing her creative side as well and is now developing her social conscience by becoming a school governor and writing her own blog.
“Emma’s friends adore her. Some of the words they would use to describe her are thoughtful, optimistic, inspirational and strong. All things that she has consistently demonstrated over the years.
“Her humanity and strength make her an amazing individual who thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
Ms McGinnety, meanwhile, has been spearheading the schools Apprenticeship Awareness Programme.
Year 9 students work alongside six key companies from the Aycliffe Business Park in an attempt to raise awareness of the opportunities that exist in apprenticeships.
The programme was originally developed through sponsorship secured from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership.
Ms McGinnety, who has responsibility for careers education, set up the new programme, because she felt students had no awareness of the career opportunities available locally in a large number of companies on the industrial estate.
“The project is a great way for students to get hands on experience of working life with the manufacturing and engineering sector,” said the school.
Ms McGinnety’s work has gained national recognition for excellence in careers education.
