Masefield Primary School is in the top 3 per cent of schools

Masefield Primary School in Little Lever received a letter of congratulations from the Minister for Schools for its outstanding results.

The school recorded 97 per cent of pupils in Year One meeting the expected standard in the phonics screening check.

The letter, signed by Damian Hinds, stated: "Your school is in the top three per cent of all primary schools in the country.

"We want to ensure every child develops as firm grasp of phonics as the basis on which to improve standards of reading.

"As such I was delighted to see your results."

According to the latest figures, 83 per cent of pupils who met the standard in the phonics check went to achieve at least the standards expected of pupils at they leave primary school to go on to the next step of their education.

The letter goes on to say: "Your particular success in teaching phonics and early reading so effectively means your pupils are developing a firm foundation, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading.

"I would like to thank you for your commitment and success in this vital area of a child's early education and congratulate you, your staff and pupils on all you have achieved."

Masefield Primary School head Andy Done said: "To be placed in the top three per cent of primary schools in the country is an outstanding achievement.

"We have a keen focus on phonics and early reading here at Masefield and believe that reading is the key to unlocking so many subjects across the curriculum.

"I am very proud of the pupils, staff and families who have all worked together to achieve this success for the school."

The school is rated good by Ofsted, with inspectors commenting during the  last inspection: "The pupils at the school are a delight. Their behaviour in lessons shows that they

know what it means to be a successful learner."

They added: "Staff feel valued and proud to be part of the school because of the collaborative ethos."