Primary school is one of country's 100 most improved

Staff and students at Cotsford Junior School in Horden were delighted when they received a letter of praise from Nick Gibb the Minister of State for Schools.

Mr Gibb praised the school for its sustained levels of improvement over the past three years and said it was one of the top 100 schools in the country in that category.

Beverley Jones, headteacher at the East Durham school, said the letter is testament to the hard work and efforts of everyone involved with the school.

She said: “I was delighted with the letter. It is recognition of the wonderful team of people at Cotsford, the staff, students, parents and governors.”

Ms Jones said the success is also down to the wider community support and the hard work done by outside agencies who come into the school.

The headteacher said the success at the Third Street school is the result of everyone wanting the very best for the children.

She said they enjoy strong links with a number of organisations including Sunderland AFC.

In his letter, Mr Gibb said: “I am writing to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils for the school’s continuing improved performance in national Key Stage 2 tests.

“Your school results, as published on 10 December, show that you are amongst the 100 top performing schools based on sustained improvement in attainment at level 4 or above in reading, writing and mathematics each year from 2012-2015.

“We want to ensure that every child has the necessary fluency in reading, writing and mathematics to give them a platform for success at secondary school and beyond. Your school’s continuing improvement will provide this.

“Thank you for your work in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement, and congratulations again to you and your staff for your hard work and professionalism.”