A PRIMARY school is celebrating after being named among the top 50 in the UK for continued improvement in its test results.

JH Godwin in Blacon has received a letter from MP Nick Gibb, the Minister of State for Schools, praising the school on its ‘excellent’ SATs results last summer.

He says the year-on-year increase in the percentage of children achieving Level 4+ has placed the Melbourne Road school among the top 50 performers in the UK for sustained improvement.

Delighted headteacher Conrad North said: “This is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our team to achieving the highest standards for our children.

“The team work really hard with our children and families to raise the profile and importance of learning.”

In his letter to Mr North, Nick Gibb wrote: “I would like to congratulate your staff, governors and pupils for their hard work and success, and to thank you for your leadership in continuing the drive towards the highest standards of educational achievement.”

Mr North praised his pupils for their academic achievements as well as the regular extra-curricular activities they take part in.

The children recently performed at the BBC Music Nation event – a project led by Chester women’s choir A Handbag of Harmonies – in the build up to the 2012 Olympics in London.

JH Godwin, whose motto is ‘Inspire and Achieve’, has also performed at Chester Cathedral and national and regional events.

Mr North added: “The children are so proud of our school.”