A primary school in Bolton has been placed in the top one per cent of schools in the country for its results in developing the key skills needed for young people to achieve.

St Brendan's Roman Catholic Primary School in Harwood recorded a perfect 100 per cent score in the phonics screening check, with every Year One pupil meeting the expected standard.

The school received a letter from Damian Hinds, Minister of Schools congratulating staff and pupils on their outstanding results.

The Bolton News: Headteacher at the school, Fiona Brindley said: “We are extremely proud to receive the recognition that St Brendan’s are in the top one per cent of the country for phonics.

“This is a testament to the commitment of our staff in ensuring the children achieve their full potential.

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“This success means that our children are developing a firm foundation in reading, from which they can become increasingly fluent and develop a lifelong love of reading.

“We recognise how hard the children work on a daily basis and we are thrilled that they have received this outstanding result.”

In the letter, Mr Hinds states: "We want to ensure every child develops a firm grasp of phonics as the basis on which to improve standards of reading. As such I was delighted to see your results.

"With 100 per cent of pupils in Year One at St Brendan’s RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton meeting the expected standard in the check, your school is in the top one per cent of all primary schools in the country."

He 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."

 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.

St Brendan's Roman Catholic Primary School is an Ofsted rated good school and inspectors stated following their last visit: “Pupils love coming to St Brendan’s.

“They speak with enthusiasm about their learning and rarely miss a day of school.

“Pupils say that any falling out or bullying is rare.

“They are confident that adults would listen to any concerns they may have.

“Adults have high expectations for all pupils.

“Pupils behave very sensibly in lessons and around school.

“They are extremely well mannered.”

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