A PRIMARY school has been thrust into the national spotlight after becoming the Sunday Times State Primary School of the Year.

St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Marske-by-the-Sea, east Cleveland, was named as the overall winner in the latest edition of Britain's longest-running newspaper school guide, which recognises the country’s top-achieving schools in both the state and independent sectors.

Alastair McCall, Sunday Times Schools Guide, editor said: "St Bede's is the embodiment of what an outstanding primary school should be. Its children achieve excellent results, but the school offers so much more than that.

"Committed and talented staff tease the best out of the children in a school where moral and spiritual development counts as much as academic achievement."

St Bede’s head Joanna Wilson added: “We are delighted that the school’s passion, drive and excellence has been honoured in this way. This achievement is testament to the amazing work carried out here at St Bede’s by the staff, its governors and our dedicated parents and pupils.”