HOLLYMOUNT School in Worcester is the Primary School of the Year.

Judges opted for the school after hearing last year the number of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths was 66 per cent, 13 per cent higher than the national figures.

Good progress was also made by disadvantaged children and children with English as an additional language, reaching standards that were higher than the national average.

This was achieved despite many of the children entering reception well below the national average.

The school has also supported several others schools over the years, with an ethos that by working collaboratively with other schools, staff and children benefit from the experience.

Vivienne Cranton, headteacher, said: “We are thrilled. It’s a whole school award that has led to the school being successful.

“It’s down to the commitment and dedication of everyone in the school from the senior leadership team, the teachers and TAs, cleaners, the admin staff, governors, catering staff and lunchtime supervisors.

“And most of all it’s about the children and their parents. We told the children and they were ecstatic. They were so proud.

“Some of the parents have been into school to say how proud they are too.”

Mrs Cranton added: “I believe it’s about the team around us.

“There were many of the people at the evening, including the university, who were one of the sponsors, Pete and the team at the PRU who helps with behaviour management and the learning support teams and other colleagues who work in other schools who work with us and support us too. It’s a community award really.”

The runners up were Sytchampton Endowed Primary School, who were praised for high quality teaching and good results, and Upton Snodsbury CE First School, which was said to have a strong team that worked hard to achieve outstanding results.