MAKING the move from primary school to high school can be quite a scary prospect ­— for children and parents.

But at Thornleigh Salesian College, according the parent who nominated them, the amazing staff work hard to make children “feel comfortable, welcome and excited about their journey to high school”.

This is said to enable pupils to develop into “confident and happy” young people.

“I completely trust that they have the best interest of not only my child but all the young people in their care,” stated the nomination.

And the school found it had won this award on the first of its Ofsted inspection, with school inspectors agreeing with parents and pupils.

Headteacher Andrea O’Callaghan said: “We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of the staff and students at Thornleigh Salesian College.

“We are particularly pleased to have been recognised for the strong transition work that exists between us and our partner primary schools ensuring that children settle in quickly to our school and that we build successfully on prior learning.”

She added: “Our most recent Ofsted report celebrates the positive relationships that exist across our school community which allow all our students to thrive and embrace school life.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all our parents who work so closely with us to ensure all our children fulfil their potential.”

Ofsted reported: “Pupils say that they feel safe and that they like coming to school. They say that the best thing about school is their teachers. Pupils are confident that their teachers will look after them and help them with their learning.

“Teachers have high expectations of pupils. Pupils behave very well during lessons, they focus well on their learning and they show the utmost respect for staff.

“They are keen to answer questions.”

Inspectors added: “Staff encourage pupils to embrace school life. Pupils value the opportunities on offer.

“Many pupils are members of the school choir. Some pupils attend clubs in pottery, art, dance or science. There is also a wide range of sports teams such as netball, football, cross-country and rugby.”