A PRIMARY school which almost burned down a year ago has received national recognition after being shortlisted for the Primary School of the Year Award.

The awards, which are known as the Teaching Oscars, mark outstanding achievement in the education sector.

But for Westleigh Methodist Primary School, which almost burnt down in March 2018, they were amazed when their pupils achieved their best ever results that put them in the top three per cent of schools in the country...and these awards mark a significant milestone.

Julie-Ann Hewitt, CEO of the Acorn Trust which Westleigh is part of, said: “Just over a year ago we were devastated. We had lost about 50 per cent of the school to a fire and many of our children didn’t have a classroom to learn in.

“With the help of our community we pulled together and our children rose to the challenges that we were faced with.

"As a result, our SATs result were amongst the best in the country and our school came together in a way that will have a lasting legacy for children for years to come.”

Westleigh Methodist Primary School is one of 68 Silver Award winners across the country who will receive a prestigious Pearson Silver Award and were presented with the award by the Mayor of Wigan on ‘Thank A Teacher Day’ on Wednesday, June 19.

The awards will take place in October and will be broadcast on BBC2 as Britain’s Classroom Heroes.

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners being presented with a silver trophy by their pupils today.

"On Thank A Teacher Day, it’s a wonderful chance for them to say thank you to their award-winning teachers.

"We mustn’t forget that these pupils may well be the next generation of teachers, and that’s all thanks to the commitment of those currently in the profession.

"Recognising and celebrating teachers for the lasting impact they have on young people's lives is crucial, and that’s why Pearson is delighted to support these Awards every year.”