THE headteacher of a Cheshire primary school recognised for its results by the government believes a letter sent by the Department of Education is the “cherry on top” of all their hard work.

Kelsey Mort is head at Tilston Primary School in Church Road, Tilston, and she received the letter, dated at the start of February, congratulating her, her staff and her pupils on Key Stage 2 results – year 6 pupils – achieved last summer, putting them in the top one per cent of the country.

Mrs Mort admitted she was delighted to receive the letter but insisted it was not just about the end results but rewarding the hard work pupils, staff and parents put in across their eight years at the school.

“We are all extremely proud to have received this letter from the Department of Education as it shows we are achieving our vision statement ‘bringing out the best in everyone,” she said.

“I started as headteacher in January 2018 and I am very proud to lead such a hard-working, committed and skilled team of staff.

“It is certainly a team effort, our parents are supportive of everything we do and work with us to continually look for ways of further developing our school. We are fortunate to have a skilled governing body who provide high levels of support and challenge.

“Most of all, this letter recognises the hard work that our pupils put in over the eight years at primary school and all staff, both past and present.

“I know I am biased, but our children are not only great readers and mathematicians, which has put us in the top one per cent of schools in England, but they have so many individual qualities.

“Our children are independent learners who have a love of learning, they are valued and share leadership roles across the school and most of all they are proud of their achievements which we are delighted to be recognised. We will continue to work hard for our children.

“We’re not telling people this for the publicity but because we want to show what we do and what the hard work has achieved. This is the cherry on the top of everything that we do at the school.”

The letter, signed by Education Secretary Damian Hinds, added: “Thank you for producing such high standards through your hard work and professionalism, and congratulations again to you and your staff for all you have achieved.”