Outstanding progress praised by minister

OUTSTANDING . . . head teacher Elizabeth Travis (back left), deputy head Deborah Hodgin (back right) and pupils show off the letter from Schools Minister Nick Gibb

A SADDLEWORTH primary school is one of the best in the country.

Staff and children at Holy Trinity Dobcross, Delph New Road, are celebrating after it was ranked 12th nationally for the progress made by its pupils.

Head teacher Elizabeth Travis has received a letter from schools minister Nick Gibb praising staff for their “great effort”.

He adds: “Thank you for your work in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement, and congratulations again to your staff for your hard work and professionalism.”

The Church of England school has just over 200 pupils. Miss Travis said: “For a school like ours in such a small village to receive such a big accolade is an incredible feeling. Everyone here is delighted with the news.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said Holy Trinity was an inspiration for other schools: “There are around 17,000 primary schools in England. For Holy Trinity to be recognised is outstanding.”