Pupils, Staff and Town Celebrate After School Named Among Britain’s Best
By Schools Correspondent
Pupils, staff and the wider Bridgwater community are celebrating after Northgate Primary School was named among the very best in the country for outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
The school has received high-level praise from Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson, who wrote personally to congratulate staff and pupils on their exceptional achievements.
In her letter, Ms Phillipson said the school’s performance places it “among the very best nationally”, describing this as a “significant achievement” and a reflection of both the dedication of staff and the hard work of pupils.
Northgate Primary, based in a state-of-the-art £6.7 million building, is working wonders due to a range of factors including its inspiring teaching, strong pastoral care and ambitious curriculum.
Bridget Phillipson wrote:
“This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together.
“Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.”
Headteacher Katie Penny said:
“We are all absolutely delighted to receive a letter from the Government praising our achievements and our dedication to improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils at Northgate Primary School.
“This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire staff team, who work tirelessly to increase opportunities for all our learners. A massive thanks to our entire school community.”
Gary Schlick, CEO of Futura Learning Partnership, which Northgate Primary is part of, also praised the school’s impact.
He said: “A massive well done to everyone at Northgate Primary School. This work is having a truly life-changing impact.”
The school has highlighted a range of measures that have driven its success in recent years.
These include a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, helping children understand and recognise their feelings so they are ready to learn each day.
Pupils report that they feel safe, listened to and cared for, creating a strong sense of belonging. Teachers carefully analyse learning and quickly put support in place to accelerate progress, while parental engagement is embedded in the school’s ethos, with families encouraged to learn alongside their children.
A wide range of enrichment opportunities is also offered, ensuring social justice and equal opportunity remain at the heart of the school’s approach.
In her letter, the Education Secretary encouraged Northgate Primary to continue sharing its best practice with other schools, adding:
“Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to lead the way by supporting collaboration and helping raise standards across the sector.”
