St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy is the best state-funded secondary school in Sunderland, according to a comprehensive new guide.
The Real Schools Guide 2020, compiled by Reach's data unit, aims to give a far more comprehensive picture than traditional league tables.
It takes into account 51 different data points - including not just GCSE results and Attainment 8 scores but also factors like Progress 8, pupil-teacher ratios and absence rates.
It is published as a print product but parents can also go online to browse the full data, compare different schools, and find links to contact details and recent Ofsted reports.
In its most recent inspection, Ofsted has given St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy an overall rating of 'Outstanding'.
Inspectors said the school provides an outstanding education for its students that includes their personal development as well as their academic achievement.
They said teaching is “outstanding” and that teachers were “very enthusiastic” and used skilful questioning to challenge students and make them think.
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All groups of students make outstanding progress and leave at the end of Year 11 with standards that are consistently well above those found nationally, inspectors said.
The behaviour of pupils was also described as “outstanding” and “very thoughtful and considerate of others”.
The specialist subjects of technology and languages were highlighted for helping students prepare for the future.
Head teacher Monica Shepherd said: “The community at St. Anthony’s are delighted to be given this accolade. Staff, students, parents and the whole community work hard to support our students through all aspects of their education and development.
"We have been pleased this academic year to have received a number of accolades including the World Class School Charter Mark and the International School Award from The British Council”.
The guide, now in its eighth year, has been praised by ministers and education experts alike. Former schools minister David Laws called it "public-service journalism in the best tradition".
Regionally, the school ranked ninth in the North East with Kings Priory School in Tynemouth on top as the best school in the area. In second place is Sir Emmanuel College, while third is Whitley Bay High School.
