STAFF and pupils of Staindrop Primary received an early Christmas present after the school made it into the top 250 best primary schools in the country.
The school was listed 126th nationally in the Sunday Times’ list which took into account pupils’ achievements in reading, grammar and maths.
The school only learned of the listing when a staff member bought a copy of the newspaper on the off chance that they might appear on the list.
Headteacher Steve Whelerton said: “It was a nice surprise. It is quite a humbling thing to be in the top 250.
“Even between the top school and ourselves in 126th in attainment there is a hair’s breadth in the difference in score. We have appeared on other lists.
“We are very strong on progress as well and that is unusual – being strong on attainment and progress.”
Progress measures a child’s level when they are admitted to a school compared with how they develop before leaving.
Mr Whelerton added: “We prefer progress because it is about each individual. We have to add value to anyone who comes in [to our school]. That is taking the children’s starting point and what we add to that.”
“Our priority is enjoyment. Being at school has to be an enjoyable time for them. The staff at the school genuinely care and go the extra mile for the children.
“We are very proud of the teachers, children and parents. We are quite excited about it. Quite thrilled.”
The accolade comes on the back of a survey by the school in July in which 100 per cent of parents said they would recommend the school to others.
Anyone wanting to know more about Staindrop Primary School can visit the school today (Wednesday, December 4) during a stay and play session. The event between 4pm and 6.30pm provides an opportunity for prospective parents and pupils to explore the school and see what it has to offer.
