School chalks up top-class phonics test score

The staff and children at Shilbottle Primary School were delighted to receive a personally-signed letter from Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards, congratulating them on the school's outstanding achievement in the 2017 Phonics Screening Check.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Dec 2017, 12:00 BST
Headteacher Gary Parnaby with students at Shilbottle Primary School.Headteacher Gary Parnaby with students at Shilbottle Primary School.
Headteacher Gary Parnaby with students at Shilbottle Primary School.

With 96 per cent of the school’s pupils reaching or exceeding the pass mark, the school is in the top six per cent of all primary schools in the country. Headteacher Gary Parnaby, said: “We are extremely proud of the children and the staff who have gained such an outstanding level of success. Being in the top six per cent in the country is a reflection of the hard work all the children and teaching team dedicate to ensuring the children have the best possible start in their learning journey.

“Our Early Years and Key Stage 1 team constantly seek ways to improve and make learning fun and accessible to all. They also work closely with the Friendly Frogs Nursery, within the school grounds, to ensure the transition into Early Years is seamless and the teaching styles are consistent.”

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In the letter, Mr Gibb thanked the school for its work ‘in this vital area of a child’s early education’, adding: ‘Your success in teaching phonics means your pupils are developing a firm foundation in reading.’