A government minister has written to two Brighton primary schools to praise the progress shown by pupils in recent tests.
David Laws, the Minister of State for Schools, has written to Rudyard Kipling Primary School in Woodingdean and Saltdean Primary School.
Both schools are in the top 250 nationally for the progress made by pupils make between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests.
In his letter to Rudyard Kipling Primary School Mr Laws highlighted the school’s excellent work with its disadvantaged pupils – defined by the government as those in receipt of free school meals.
Mr Laws, a Liberal Democrat minister in the coalition government, said: “Your school is exceptionally effective in educating your disadvantaged children.”
He described this as critical to breaking the links between poverty and education outcomes and improving social mobility.
Rudyard Kipling head teacher Jenny Aldridge said: “We’re now one of the top primary schools in the city for the number of pupils reaching or exceeding age-related expectations in reading, writing and maths.
“Thanks to our pupils’ hard work and the dedication of our staff and governors there is virtually no gap between the achievements of children facing disadvantage and those who don’t – and that’s absolutely wonderful.”
In his letter to Saltdean Primary School Mr Laws said: “It is clear that you and your staff have provided your pupils with a good start in life and a strong springboard into secondary education.”
Saltdean head teacher Suzanne Morgan said: “All our staff and governors share a commitment to helping all our children fulfil their potential.
“We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils and I am delighted that all the hard work put in by everyone at the school has been recognised in this way.”
Councillor Sue Shanks, who chairs the Brighton and Hove City Council Children and Young People Committee, said: “Our key priorities are helping our schools to get good or outstanding Ofsted ratings and closing the gap in achievement between disadvantaged children and their peers.
“Rudyard Kipling and Saltdean are both excellent schools that go the extra mile for all their pupils.”
