Inspiring school is now top of class

THE inspiring achievements of Kentmere Primary in Smallbridge were celebrated at the M.E.N’s Greater Manchester Schools Awards.

It was named Primary School of the Year following a remarkable turnaround in the last five years.

Headteacher Sarah Isberg and her team have pulled Kentmere out of special measures and raised standards to ‘outstanding’ in all areas under Ofsted.

Ms Isberg said she was proud to collect the award with her remarkable team of staff.

“This is fantastic news for all the staff and children,” she told the M.E.N.

“As a whole community we are absolutely thrilled. It’s the best place to be for any child or any member of staff. It has been a delight and we are so proud.”

Pupils and staff were treated to an afternoon off lessons to enjoy the fifth annual awards ceremony at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

This year the judging team received a record number of entries for the ten award categories.

Lisa O’Loughlin, principal of awards sponsors The Manchester College, said: “This is the fifth year that The Manchester College has sponsored the M.E.N Schools Awards, and it has been our absolute pleasure to choose from such talented teaching professionals and leaders in education.

“This year’s standard of entries has been extremely high, which has made judging all the more difficult.

“To have reached this stage in the competition is a huge achievement so all the nominees should be thoroughly proud of themselves.”