SCHOOLS Minister Nick Gibb has praised Rockwell Green Primary School for the progress pupils are making in key areas of their learning.

The school is among the top three per cent in England for improvement in English reading and writing, and mathematics between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

In a letter to headteacher Morwenna Dunstan, the Minister of State for School Standards said: “I would like to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils for the very high level of progress pupils in your school are making.

“We want to ensure that every child has the necessary fluency in reading, writing and mathematics to prepare them for a successful secondary education and beyond, and your school has provided this.

“Thank you for your hard work and professionalism in producing such high standards and congratulations again to you and your staff for all you have achieved.”

Head boy James said: “My favourite part about the school is the fact that Mrs Dunstan is very approachable and the staff are really nice.”

Mrs Dunstan said: “We knew we were in the top ten per cent after the results in December – I told the parents how well their children had done at our Christmas service.

“Then the letter came through, and I am so proud of the children and staff. To have some good news is brilliant. The staff and children work really hard, and we have such supportive parents.”

The school does not have ability-based sets in the classroom, which it feels has contributed to its success.

Mrs Dunstan added: “Everyone works together and everyone has high expectations of each other. We tell our children that ‘anything is possible’.

“We have no ‘bottom’ sets or any groupings. Students know when they’re in the bottom set and then they don’t expect much of themselves. We have high expectations and aspirations for all of them.”

The school also raises awareness about the success of former pupils.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at Somerset County Council, said: “A huge well done to the headteacher, staff and pupils at Rockwell Green School for this achievement. All the hard work that everyone has been doing is obviously paying off. The whole school should feel very proud of itself.”

Head girl Bryony, in Year 6, said: “My favourite thing about the school is everyone gets on really nice and the staff make it a good place to be and even if you have different problems everyone will still be kind to you and treat you fairly.”

Another pupil, Mary, said: “My favourite thing about the school is that we have yearly plays, one for Key Stage 1 and one for Key Stage 2, so everyone gets a share.”