By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 12:33, Thursday, 10 January 2013

Schools across Cumbria have been congratulated by a Government minister for success in national exams.

David Laws

David Laws, Minister for Schools, has written to primaries across both the county and country to congratulate them for getting 100 per cent for three performance measures.

This included 18 schools from Cumbria.

Mr Laws said: David Laws said: “I would like to congratulate all staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success and to thank the head for the leadership in continuing the drive towards the highest standards of educational achievement.”

The schools had to achieve 100 per cent in level four English and maths exams, and on how far pupils are progressing in these subjects.

The minister’s comments were well received by headteachers of schools he wrote to. Sonia Chalmers, headteacher at Burgh by Sands School said: “We are absolutely delighted, it is the second year in a row that we had this certificate.”

The school is small and has 10 pupils in years five and six.

Mrs Chalmers said the key to success was its dedicated staff and pupils. She also praised the school’s provision for children with special educational needs.

Wiggonby Church of England School, in Wigton, also received one of Mr Laws letters. Nicola Corfield, the headteacher, told the News & Star: “It is a reflection on the hard work from all of our staff and children.”

She added: “It was a lovely letter which our children were delighted to receive. To get recognition from the minister for all the hard work that goes on in school is fantastic.”

Robert Blake, the deputy headteacher of Wreay Church of England Primary School, said it was good for the school’s efforts to be noticed.

“That’s not why we do it, but it’s nice to be recognised,” he added.

He also said the school hoped to continue its efforts into the future.

Ross Peacock, headteacher of Moresby Primary School in Whitehaven, was also delighted.

“It is wonderful that all of the hard work of the children, staff and parents has been recognised by the minister he said.

“We are a small school but we strive to achieve the best results for our children.”

Helen Tinnion, in charge at Bridekirk Dovenby Church of England Primary School, which also received a letter, said: “We are absolutely delighted, it is all down to the hard work that we do.”

The full list of schools written to is: Bassenthwaite Primary School, Beckermet Church of England School, Bridekirk Dovenby Church of England Primary School, Burgh by Sands School, Broughton Primary School, Cartmel Church of England Primary School, Crosscrake Church of England Primary School, Cummersdale School, Great Corby Primary School, Lazonby Church of England School, Lees Hill Church of England School, Low Furness Church of England Primary School, Moresby Primary School, Penny Bridge Church of England School, Selside Endowed Church of England Primary School, St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Wiggonby Church of England School and Wreay Church of England Primary School.

First published at 11:34, Thursday, 10 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk