A Soham primary school is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for its commitment to excellence in science.

A Soham primary school is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for its commitment to excellence in science.

St Andrew’s CofE - which is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust – has achieved a primary science quality mark silver award.

It is one of just 180 schools across the country to win the accolade this year for its commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.

At St Andrew’s it was science lead Dao Cooper who developed the science curriculum and provision at the school.

The primary school quality mark (PSQM) scheme enables schools to work together to share good practice and is supported by professional development led by local experts.

It is led by the University of Hertfordshire’s school of education in partnership with the primary science teaching trust.

St Andrew’s headteacher, Mike Harrison, said: “We are delighted to win this accolade. Dao Cooper has worked exceptionally hard to develop science at the school and this award is well-deserved and a fantastic recognition of her hard work.”

PSQM’s national director, Jane Turner, added: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Award is a significant achievement for a school. The profile and quality of science teaching and learning in each awarded school is very high. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, headteachers, children, parents and governors at St Andrew’s should be very proud.”

Earlier this year, new Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds chose St Andrew’s as his first school to visit since being appointed.

Mr Hinds – also MP for East Hampshire – spent over two hours with the trust CEO, headteacher, staff and pupils during the visit on January 11 to the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust’s (DEMAT) 480 pupil primary academy.

The Education Secretary answered questions about his new role from Year 5 pupils – shortly to visit the Houses of Parliament – and listened to the views of staff and leaders.

St Andrew’s was chosen partly because Fenland and East Cambridgeshire is designated as an opportunity area – one of 12 to receive a share of £72m to help create opportunities and raise education standards in disadvantaged areas.

DEMAT – recognised recently by OfSTED as a high-performing multi-academy trust – has 86 per cent of its schools rated good or outstanding, including St Andrew’s.