Plymouth primary school named best in the region

Two Devon schools have today been named by the Deputy Prime Minister as the regional winners (South West) of the 2013 Pupil Premium Awards.

Plymouth's Widey Court Primary School was named best primary school in the region, while Dawlish Community College was named best secondary school.

The Deputy Prime Minister sent letters to both schools congratulating them on their success, saying to them, "This is a wonderful testimony to the excellent work that you and your staff have been doing to boost the attainment of disadvantaged pupils through your use of the Pupil Premium." 

Of Widey Court Primary School, he wrote: "Among other features, the judges were impressed by your school's use of the Pupil Premium to support strategies that teach children 'how to learn' in an effective way, and by your emphasis on high quality feedback for pupils."

Of Dawlish Community College he wrote: "The judges were impressed by the great range of objective impacts that your school is achieving for its disadvantaged pupils."

The schools will now be invited to attend a reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister in London when the national winner will be announced.

Background

The Pupil Premium, announced in 2010 by the Deputy Prime Minister, is additional funding for schools to help children eligible for free school meals in reaching their potential and help schools reduce educational inequalities. It’s up to schools to decide how best to use this money, with almost £500 allocated per pupil. Evidence shows children from low income families generally do not achieve as well as pupils from more advantaged backgrounds.

The Pupil Premium Awards recognise the schools that are doing the best in using the Pupil Premium to make a real difference to the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
For more information on the Awards visit: www.pupilpremiumawards.co.uk

For more information on the Pupil Premium visit: www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/premium