A DALE primary school is in the running to be named the best in England.
Staindrop Primary School is one of eight in the country to reach the shortlist of the Times Education Supplement’s (TES) Primary School of the Year award. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 13.
It is the third time the school has featured in the awards, having previously been shortlisted in the creative primary school category.
Headteacher Steve Whelerton said the recognition could not have come at a better time considering the challenging start to the new school year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: “This has been an incredibly difficult year and schools are doing their very best for their children and communities.
“This incredible announcement has given our staff an enormous boost as they continue to provide outstanding teaching and support to our pupils.
“I’m so proud that the hard work of everyone connected to Staindrop CoE Primary School is being recognised at such an impressive national level. It is testament to the commitment of our teachers, staff, parents and of course our amazing pupils, who all go above and beyond to make our school so special.”
A TES spokesperson said the eight finalists in the primary school category had “shone out among other schools for sparking a love of learning and have notched up some great achievements”.
Staindrop Primary was selected for its “ceaseless pursuit of applying creativity throughout all aspects of the curriculum, the impact of which has led to it supporting and improving other schools throughout the region”.
TES editor Ann Mroz says: “The standard was very high, so all those shortlisted should be very proud – it’s an extraordinary achievement to be on this shortlist."
The glitzy awards ceremony in London will be reduced to an online virtual event.
Covid-19 restrictions have also meant that open events for parents considering sending their children to the school next September have not been able to go ahead but individual appointments to meet Mr Whelerton are still possible.
Call the school office on 01833 660334.
