PUPILS and teachers are celebrating after their school was nominated for Primary School of Year after a successful transformation which saw it rated “good” for the first time in 13 years. 

Hilltop Junior School is one of just six primary schools across the country to be nominated for Times Education Awards. 

Headteacher Don Wry is thrilled at the announcement, insisting it highlights the school’s “incredible journey”. 

Earlier this year, Hilltop Junior School was rated “good” for first time in 13 years after consistently being rated as “requires improvement”.

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Mr Wry said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for such a prestigious award, a culmination and recognition of our incredible journey as a school and community.

“Chosen out of thousands of schools across the whole of the UK, the TES awards platform and shortlisting of ‘Primary School of the Year’ highlights the incredible dedication, commitment to children’s education and lives that the whole of our staff hold and maintain each and every day.

“We know the selection process is very rigorous and robust, making our shortlisting quite a significant achievement, to which we are of course very delighted.”

The Primary School of the Year category looks at the achievements of schools, positive inspection reports or major improvements made at schools. 

Mr Wry added: “Winning the award would be an incredible testament to the staff, pupils, parents, and members of the community who make up Hilltop Junior School, all of whom help to shape us into such a remarkable place of learning for each and every child.

“It would cap off an outstanding year for our school.”

The winner of each category will be selected at a special ceremony at the London’s Grosvenor Park Hotel on Friday, June 17.

Jon Severs, TES editor and chair of judges, added: “This year has seen incredibly high standards of entries to the TES Schools Awards.

“Every teacher and school who has been nominated should be incredibly proud, it is a fantastic achievement.

“Teachers, leaders, and support staff have all played an enormous role as schools have battled with immense challenges over the past few years and this is our chance to say thank you for all that they do.”