Top marks for Shirebrook junior school

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg awarded Park Junior School £10,000 in recognition of their pioneering use of the pupil premium – extra funding given to schools for every disadvantaged pupil they teach.

The award was made to the Orchard Road school at a special Pupil Premium awards ceremony.

Speaking about the work of the school, Mr Clegg said: “The fantastic work of the Park Junior School shows how the Pupil Premium is working.

“They’ve used the money to invest in teacher training so that staff can provide targeted support, and created a reward system to motivate pupils.

“As a result every single pupil, regardless of background, achieved at least the expected level in primary maths tests.”

Earlier this year, Chad reported how the school had been praised by school inspectors Ofsted for its revolutionary teaching methods.

The school has been transformed using ultra-modern methods, including YouTube-style videos which combine music, words and images to teach them the school’s specially-devised learning code.

Classrooms were also transformed to ‘classhomes’ and decorated with sofas, bean bags, ornaments, soft drapes and peaceful colours to create ideal learning environments.

Additionally, youngsters have their own student union with games, and pupils take weekly assemblies without teachers being present.