A PRIMARY school is celebrating after achieving exam results that put it in the top one per cent of the country.

Hudson Road Primary School in Sunderland was praised for its outstanding SATs results after every pupil reached or exceeded the national expected standard in maths.

The school’s exceptional exam results were achieved in Key Stage 2 SATs, which are taken by children in Year 6, aged 11.

Following the school’s achievements, Nick Gibb, the Minister of State for School Standards, contacted headteacher Cathy Westgate to offer his congratulations.

In a letter, Mr Gibb said: “We want to ensure that every child has the necessary fluency in mathematics to prepare them for a successful secondary education and beyond, and your school has provided this to all pupils.”

Mrs Westgate said: “I’m thrilled that our achievements have been recognised as they are really something to be celebrated. The fantastic results are due to the passionate staff at Hudson Road, hardworking children, supportive parents and governors – striving together to ensure all children get the best possible start in life.”

Hudson Road Primary’s success comes after Sunderland as a whole received national recognition for its SATs achievements in 2016, when 61 per cent of all Sunderland pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in Key Stage 2. The result put Sunderland eight percentage points above the national average.

Simon Marshall, Director for Education at Together for Children, who visited the school to congratulate pupils and teachers, said: “The results reflect a fantastic achievement by Hudson Road Primary School, and its’ been a pleasure to visit the school and congratulate everyone personally.

“Thanks to the hard work of primary school teachers and support staff at Hudson Road and across the city, as well as the pupils themselves, our children are leaving primary school well prepared, continue their education at secondary school and enjoy future success. As a city we should be proud.”

Councillor Louise Farthing, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Sunderland City Council, said: “My congratulations go to all of the students and their teachers and support staff at Hudson Road. This is a fantastic result for the school and is clearly paving the way for future success stories. Well done all.”