Two city primaries praised by schools minister
The Minister of State for Schools, David Laws MP, has written to Rudyard Kipling Primary in Woodingdean and Saltdean Primary to praise them for their excellent performance in the most recent Key Stage 2 tests.
Both schools are in the top 250 nationally for the progress their pupils make between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
In his letter to Rudyard Kipling Mr Laws highlighted the school’s excellent work with its disadvantaged pupils – defined by the government as those who are in receipt of free school meals.
Mr Laws said: “Your school is exceptionally effective in educating your disadvantaged children.” He described this as critical to breaking the links between poverty and education outcomes and improving social mobility.
Rudyard Kipling headteacher Jenny Aldridge said: “We’re now one of the top primary schools in the city for the number of pupils reaching or exceeding age related expectations in reading, writing and maths.
“Thanks to our pupils’ hard work and the dedication of our staff and governors, there is virtually no gap between the achievements of children facing disadvantage and those who don’t – and that’s absolutely wonderful.”
Praising Saltdean Primary’s performance, Mr Laws said: “It is clear that you and your staff have provided your pupils with a good start in life and a strong springboard into secondary education.”
Saltdean primary headteacher Suzanne Morgan said: “All our staff and governors share a commitment to helping all our children fulfil their potential.
“We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils, and I am delighted that all the hard work put in by everyone at the school has been recognised in this way.”
The chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s children and young people committee, Councillor Sue Shanks, said: “Our key priorities are helping our schools to get good or outstanding Ofsted ratings, and closing the gap in achievement between disadvantaged children and their peers.
“Rudyard Kipling and Saltdean are both excellent schools that go the extra mile for all their pupils.”