Top praise for Wearside school

The minister wanted to congratulate the school for being in the top 100 schools nationally for the progress children make between entering and leaving the school.

He said: “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 to drive towards high standards of educational achievement.”

Debra de Muschamp, headteacher at the Hendon school, said: “Pupils, families, governors and staff all work very hard to make Valley Road School a great place to be. We are thrilled to receive this acknowledgment of all or hard work.”