Primary school in top 2% in country
SCHOOLS’ MINISTER SENDS CONGRATULATIONS LETTER
A WEST BRIDGFORD primary school has been recognised as one of the best in the country.
Pierrepont Gamston Primary School, in Coledale, had its achievement highlighted in a letter from Minister for Schools Damian Hinds.
The school is now in the top two percent of primary schools in the country after 90 percent of pupils reached or exceeded the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2 last years.
Head teacher Claire Bills said the result was a credit to the holistic approach of the school.
“Pierrepont Gamston is a really special school where we don’t just focus on the academic achievement, although that is obviously really important to us and is shown by the letter we’ve received.
“We want to make sure that every single child in the school flourishes.
“We want to discover what it is that every child is good at, what they enjoy, what their strengths are, to make sure they’ve got a really wellrounded education.
“The school feels like a family where all staff come together and work hard to support children.
“We’re absolutely delighted and continue to go from strength to strength.
“It’s a real celebration for those Year 6 pupils who left us last year.”
She added that staff made sure there was “wonder and joy” at the school, helping children learn how to be wise and think for themselves.
This helped identifying what a child’s next steps were in order to “continue to grow and flourish”.
Mrs Bills started her role last September taking over from Aiden Sharp, who was head for nine years.
She said: “All credit for this achievement really goes to Mr Sharp.
“These fantastic results were achieved under his leadership and he set this school up into such a great place for me to be able to come in and take it to the next step of its journey and continue to grow and develop staff professionally.
“It is a fantastic accolade for the school and we’re really proud of it.”
The letter, addressed to Mr Sharp, reads: “I would like to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils on the very high standard of achievement demonstrated in the reading, writing and mathematics Key Stage 2 assessment last year.
“Your school’s results, as published on December 14, show that 90 percent of your pupils reached or exceeded the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2.
“This means that for achievement in reading, writing and mathematics, Pierrepont Gamston Primary School is in the top two percent of primary schools in the country.
“The Government wants to ensure that every child has the fluency in reading, writing and mathematics necessary to prepare them for a successful secondary education and beyond, which is why I was delighted to see your results.”
Mr Hinds added: “Thank you for your work in continuing the drive towards higher academic standards, and congratulations again to you and your staff for your commitment and success.”