A PRIMARY school in Wellington has been ranked among the top three per cent of schools in England.

The results, published on December 15, showed that Rockwell Green Primary School, Brooklands Road, is in the top three per cent based on pupils' progress between key stage one and key stage two in English reading, writing and mathematics.

A letter was sent to Morwenna Dunstan, headteacher at the school, by the Minister of State for school standards, MP Nick Gibb.

The letter, sent on February 17, read: "I would like to congratulate you, your staff and your pupils for the very high level of progress pupils in your school are making.

"We want to ensure that every child has the necessary fluency in reading, writing and mathematics to prepare them for a successful secondary education and beyond, and your school has provided this.

"Thank you for your hard work and professionalism in producing such high standards and congratulations again to you and your staff for all you have achieved."

Somerset County Gazette:

Mrs Dunstan with the school council. 

Mrs Dunstan said: "We knew we were in the top ten per cent after the results in December, I told the parents how well their children had done at our Christmas service.

"Then the letter came through, and I am so proud of the children and staff.

"To have some good news is brilliant. The staff and children work really hard, and we have such supportive parents."

The school put its success down a range of reasons, including the hard work of the staff and enthusiasm of the children, and raising awareness about the success of former pupils. But one thing that is really working for the school is not having ability-based 'sets' in the classroom.

"Everyone works together and everyone has high expectations of each other. We tell our children that 'anything is possible'.

"We have no 'bottom' sets or any groupings. Students know when they're in the bottom set, and then they don't expect much of themselves. We have high expectations and aspirations for all of them."


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Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at Somerset County Council said: “A huge well done to the headteacher, staff and pupils at Rockwell Green School for this achievement.

"All the hard work that everyone has been doing is obviously paying off. The whole school should feel very proud of itself."

Somerset County Gazette:

The Year 6 class from Rockwell Green Primary School. 

Here is what some of the Year 6 students had to say about the school: 

Bryony, head girl, said: "My favourite thing about the school is everyone gets on really nice and the staff make it a good place to be and even if you have different problems everyone will still be kind to you and treat you fairly."

Mary said: "My favourite thing about the school is that we have yearly plays, one for key stage one and one for key stage two so everyone gets a share."

James, head boy, said: "My favourite part about the school is the fact that Mrs Dunstan is very approachable and the staff are really nice."