A WESTHOUGHTON primary school is one of the best in the country for providing every single one of its pupils — regardless of their background — with a good start in life.

St George's CE Primary School has won a Government Pupil Premium Award and the department for education has invited the school to apply for a national award.

The acting headteacher has also been urged to share his expertise with other schools and to consider becoming a leader of education.

A letter signed by Sam Gyimah, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary-of-State for Childcare and Education stated: "The reason you have been selected is that you are one of the high achieving schools in the country in terms of attainment and progress of your disadvantaged pupils since 2011.

"It is clear that you and your staff have provided your disadvantaged pupils with a good start in life and prepared them well for secondary school.

"I would like to congratulate your governors, parents and pupils for their hard work and success and thank you for your leadership in making such a difference to the future success of your pupils."

The letter concluded by encouraging Mr Ivory to share his achievements with other schools so that they could learn from his strengths and experience.

Mr Ivory said: "We are very proud of this award.

"It recognises the hard work of the governors, staff, parents and pupils in providing the disadvantaged children in our school with the best start possible.

"This is a culmination of hard work in every year group and the school identifying and recognising the areas in which these children need extra support.

"The money we receive for disadvantaged pupils has enabled us to provide them with interventions and support within class but also a number of enrichment opportunities that we believe contribute greatly to their academic success.

"We run our own 'forest school' on site called 'We are Explorers' which supports the personal and social development of all our children.

"We have implemented a well-being and behaviour programme across the school to the benefit of all our children.

"We believe that every child has a right to the best education possible and this is something we strive for every day.

"Receiving this award is a great recognition that we are doing the very best for our children."