Orchard School is celebrating after receiving news that it had been chosen by Minister for Schools, David Laws, to receive £1,000 in the Key Stage Two category of the Pupil Premium Awards.

Orchard School is already recognised as one of the most improved schools in the country in terms of attainment and progress of disadvantaged children. The Award news means that the school has now been invited to bid for a larger sum, including the national prize of £100,000. Head Teacher, Amanda Lavelle said: “My governors and I would like to thank all our staff, pupils and parents for all their hard work, focus and dedication. Without their support we wouldn’t be in this fortunate position. Orchard is a fantastic school and I’m glad that our prudent use of the annual pupil premium has been acknowledged in this way.”

Pupil premium is a sum of money given to schools for each disadvantaged child. The money is spent on narrowing the gap in achievement between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged children. The Pupil Premium Awards recognise schools that have made the best use of the premium and have shown real improvement.

Based on information supplied by Margaret Brook, Vice Chair of Governors.