A SCHOOL has started the new year as it means to go on by racking up a series of accolades.

West Cornforth Primary School this week received a letter from schools minister Nick Gibb, congratulating it for being in the top 100 schools in the country for pupil progress.

The table highlights primaries where children make progress well between infant and junior stages.

Acting head teacher Debbie McLean said: “That is a huge achievement and we’re immensely proud, staff work very hard in often challenging circumstances to help pupils reach their potential and get them ready for secondary school.

“It is good to give children a good start in life, preparing them for the next stage of learning and raising their aspirations to achieve.

“Staff are chuffed to have their tremendous effort and work recognised.”

The school was also praised for how it encourages children to lead active lifestyles and develop life skills through sport.

It won the Sainsbury's School Games gold award and was commended for giving children leadership opportunities through the SSOC (Sedgefield Sport Organising Crew) and with 20 children becoming LEAP (Let’s Engage in Active Play) leaders.

The Sedgefield School Sports Partnership highlighted the level of sports participation, increase in extra curricular sports and the wide range of after school and break time clubs.

Mrs McLean said: “Children get two hours of PE a week and there are lots of opportunities to take part in physical activity and try new things like judo and ice-skating.

“Pupils are also integral to organising sport, from games at break time to inter-school events which promote activity and healthy competition.”