A Newport primary school has joined an elite group after winning an award for its work with talented pupils.
Mount Pleasant Primary School has achieved the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) Cymru Challenge Award for More Able and Talented Pupils for its work in challenging all pupils, including those with high abilities, to achieve their best.
The school is one of only eight in Wales to gain the prestigious award, which recognises work by the whole school, teachers and governors.
Newport City Councillor David Atwell, cabinet member for education, has praised the school for its achievement, adding: “This is extremely good news and I would congratulate everyone at Mount Pleasant on their accomplishment. It speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of staff and governors in ensuring every pupil is challenged to do the best they possibly can.”
The award was given after auditors spent a day in the school judging the quality of work. They observed lessons, interviewed pupils, teachers, parents and governors and looked at the pupils’ work.
They said they were impressed by the strong leadership and management of provision as well as the good support and challenge provided by the governors.
The auditors’ report stated: “Older pupils report that ‘everybody knows what they are good at’ and ‘everything is praised equally’. Whilst younger pupils know that teachers ‘spot what we are good at’. As a result, pupils accept and value their differing strengths and relationships are strong across all in the community. Parents are ‘fully involved and informed’.